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Banksy in America: Where to see the subversive graffiti artist’s work

Oct 29, 2019 • 4 min read

People walk down a street in Park City, Utah near 'Camera Man and Flower' © Joshua Blanchard / Getty Images

Tracking down the elusive Banksy ’s work is almost as difficult as the ongoing quest to confirm his identity. While Banksy is one of the world’s most well-known street-artist-slash-vandals, this is a double-edged sword for street art enthusiasts: almost as soon as he (or she) confirms a new work is his, other vandals will come to deface it.

As such, most of Banksy’s work around the world has been lost – and those pieces which remain are often protected under plexiglass or with fences to keep aficionados or less well-intentioned fellow artists away. If you’re up for peering through a chain-link or reflective acrylic cover to see Banksy’s work, here’s where you can see Banksy’s work in America.

San Francisco

While San Francisco was once home to at least six Banksy works, only one original work seems to remain. The Mission neighborhood is known for its murals and street art, and Banksy’s ‘Bird Singing in Tree’ can still be seen through a fence at the corner of Erie and Mission Streets, around the corner from Cafe Prague. When it was originally installed, Banksy’s simple tree trunk and bird chirping a horn was the only work on the building; today there’s a forest of trees by other artists.

Park City, Utah

Thanks to the foresight and efforts of local residents, all three of Banksy’s works in Park City, Utah have been preserved: one was removed for safe storage, one was covered immediately, and a third was restored after it was heavily defaced.

Both of the public Banksy works in Park City are located on Main Street: ‘Praying Boy’ depicts a young boy kneeling with a pink halo and angel wings, and is located at 537 Main Street. This work was the one restored after it was almost entirely painted over. The other is ‘Camera Man and Flower,’ located at 402 Main Street. It depicts a man pulling up a flower to get the perfect shot. Both pieces are now covered with plexiglass and framed by wood with Banksy plaques to help visitors realize their importance.

New Orleans

To mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in 2008, Banksy produced a series of works in New Orleans , most of which made a commentary about the government’s handling of the natural disaster. Today, only two of the original works are still in existence, protected in part because they were placed on less hurricane-affected buildings still standing today.

The easiest one to find is ‘Umbrella Girl,’ located at the corner of St. Claude Avenue and Kerlerec Street not far from the bustling French Quarter. It depicts a girl holding her hand out from under an umbrella, enduring a deluge. At the opposite end of the French Quarter and New Orleans’ Central Business District, you can see ‘Graffiti Eradicator’ at the corner of Clio and Carondelet Streets. This street art shows a recurring character type in Banksy’s satirical works: the graffiti eradicator painting vandalism.

New York City

New York City was once a hotbed of Banksy works, but now there’s only one you can be sure to see: ‘Hammer Boy’ on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This work depicts a young boy wielding a huge hammer at a red standpipe. Today it is covered by plexiglass to protect it from being defaced.

There are two other Banksy pieces in the New York area, located in Brooklyn. In 2018, Banksy put two works on the walls near an abandoned gas station at the corner of Coney Island Avenue and Avenue I in Midwood. While neither have been officially named, one depicts a seal balancing a ball on its nose where a sign once hung. The other shows a man in a suit and hard hat brandishing a red line graph at a group of children, and many have interpreted it as a commentary on gentrification.

Los Angeles

One last destination where you can spot Banksy’s work is Los Angeles . There are two remaining Banksy pieces in the city if you know where to look – both in popular areas of the city. The first, ‘PARKING,’ is in downtown L.A. near the intersection of South Broadway and West 9th Streets. It depicts a girl swinging from the ‘A’ in the word Park. When it was installed it looked over a parking lot, but today it’s located in a small alleyway between buildings.

The other, ‘Selfie Stick,’ is a few blocks from TCM Chinese Theatre and located on North La Brea Avenue. It shows a couple in souvenir tee-shirts holding a selfie stick which connects to a security camera pointed ‘at’ them. Given how many selfie sticks are used along nearby Hollywood Avenue, it’s a clear example of one of Banksy’s commentary pieces.

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Self-Guided Banksy Walking Tour in Bristol: Where to See 10 Original Banksy Art

From the “Well-hung Lover” to “The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum”, this Banksy walking tour in Bristol takes you to all surviving Banksy art in his hometown.

As the hometown of world-famous street artist Banksy, no trip to Bristol would be complete without seeing some of his original work. Born in Bristol in 1974 and known for his thought-provoking street art, Banksy perfected his art and style on these streets. Luckily, you can still see some of his very early works scattered around the city.

I love the experience of exploring a city on foot and hunting for around for street art. This is something I’m used since I grew up in Melbourne which has loads of street art . While for most people this street art and Bristol history tour is enough to see a few of his more centrepieces, my self-guided Banksy walking tour will take you to all of his surviving pieces in the city. A must-see for all Banksy enthusiasts. While I do recommend joining popular this tour I still suggest you use this guide to see more of Banksy’s work. This Banksy itinerary not only takes you to his more famous pieces, you’ll also see Banksy’s earlier and rare pieces which really highlight his development as an artist.

Here are 10 original Banksy artworks you can see around Bristol.

Map of self-guided Banksy walking tour in Bristol

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner. 

Click on this interactive map and see where this itinerary will take you. I’ve created this map using Google Maps which you can save and use as you visit Bristol. Click on any pin for more information.

1. Well-hung Lover – Frogmore St

In order to create this piece, Banksy arranged for enclosed scaffolding to be placed up against the wall so he could work without being seen. A few days later, he ordered the scaffolding company to remove the scaffolding to reveal this remarkable piece.

What’s also impressive is the attention to detail. Notice how the window is in the same style and size as those on surrounding buildings. Bravo, Banksy. Bravo!

Located directly opposite Bristol City Council on Frogmore St, Bristol BS1, UK, United Kingdom.

2. You don’t need planning permission to build castles in the sky – Lower Lamb St

99 Lower Lamb St, Bristol BS1 5TL, United Kingdom

3. Paint Pot Angel – Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Image source: Flickr

In 2009, Banksy held a hugely successful homecoming when under complete confidentiality, he took over Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for an exhibition called “Banksy versus Bristol”.

Banksy paid Bristol City Council £1 to hire the museum for his event which generated tens of millions of pounds for the local economy.  Record numbers turned out and queued for hours to see his work. One of those pieces was the Paint Pot Angel, which is now on permanent exhibition here. Although, when I visited, it was on loan in Denmark.

The statue depicts an angel with a pot of bright pink paint dripping down over the head of a traditional-looking sandstone angel.

Opening times

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am- 5pm. Closed Monday.

Located in the foyer of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL, United Kingdom.

4. The Mild, Mild West – The Canteen, Stokes Croft

Located in the Stokes Croft neighbourhood at Hamilton House in the smoking area next to The Canteen. Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY, United Kingdom

5. Take the Money and Run…and get the beers in! – Montpelier Health Centre

Located just off of Cheltenham Road in the car park of Montpelier Health Centre in Montpelier. 35 Bath Buildings, Bristol BS6 5PT, United Kingdom

6 and 7. Grim Reaper and Tesco Petrol Bomb – M Shed

With exposure to the elements, the artwork became increasingly damaged and his tag completely disappeared. A decision was made to cut out the Grim Reaper and place it on display at M Shed where it is on long-term loan.

To commemorate the riots, Banksy created a commemorative souvenir poster for £5. The proceeds from each sale going to a social enterprise, the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC).

M Shed is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed Monday.

The Grim Reaper is located on the first floor in M Shed above the cafe.

With the Grim Reaper behind you, head into the exhibition area. The Tesco Petrol Bomb poster can be found in a glass cabinet in the protest area to your right.

M Shed is located at Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN

8. The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum – Hanover Place

Located at the end of an alley just off Hanover Pl, Bristol BS1 6UT.

9. Rose Rat Trap – Thomas Street North

Located on Thomas Street North next to a blue gate behind the address 26 Fremantle Square, Bristol BS6 5TN, United Kingdom.

10. Blowpop Records – Cave St, Portland Square

Blowpop was a very cool club night and record label which was formed by Bristol DJ John Stapleton (aka Dr Jam). Banksy hand-stencilled the matador image onto the covers of the first 100 copies of a limited edition Blowpop release.

Located behind security fencing on Cave St, Portland Square, Bristol BS2 8RG, United Kingdom.

That’s it! Originally there were more Banksy pieces around the city, but all of them survived vandalism. If you visit Bristol and notice that one of these pieces is no longer in good condition, please let me know so that I can update this guide for others. For more tips about visiting Bristol, don’t miss my Bristol city guide.

For more information, visit the official Bristol tourism board website.

Watch my vlog on the best things to do in Bristol

Visiting the UK? Check out my other posts

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Over to you!

Do you have a question about visiting Bristol? Have you seen any of Banksy original art before? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Online Art Travels: An Ultimate Banksy City Guide

Camilla de Laurentis 14 August 2023 min Read

Banksy, Gymnast , 2022, Borodyanka, Ukraine. The New York Times. Detail.

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Masterpiece Story: Season’s Greetings by Banksy

Nowadays everyone knows Banksy . They actually only know his name and his art, since he still remains anonymous. Many wrote and write about him, his identity, his artistic portfolio, and the meanings behind it. This article will be different – it aspires to be an art city guide. You can use it now if you live next to a Banksy art location, or it could be useful for planning a trip in the future. Even if you don’t want to wait, or can’t go everywhere in the world, you can travel now. Thanks to Google Maps! Welcome to our updated Banksy guide as you have never seen before! 

Banksy is famous for his satirical, original, and socially relevant works . He makes his audience reflect. The masterpieces of the street artist are not only ones made using cans and colors. He also creates sculptures, paintings, exhibitions, installations… and hotels .

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to physically see every masterpiece for different reasons. First of all, there are so many, located almost everywhere in the world. Secondly, many of them were painted over and do not exist anymore. Thirdly, Banksy has an enigmatic official site and has only been using Instagram as a social network for the last few years, without ever posting any single piece or allowing any official exhibition about himself.

However, technology can help. If you want to see which artworks still exist and where, you can use Google Maps. With this tool and the present “worldwide guide,” you can learn about a selection of existing artworks that you can see personally or through the “street view” function (just open the links in this article!)

But that’s not enough. In some places, Google Maps gives you the option to see the “history” of the street view. Choosing the right year would allow you to find just the right spot from which a famous Banksy photo was taken. You can even travel in time to see some “ghost oeuvres”.

Banksy Guide: European Cities

First up in our Banksy guide is Paris. Banksy went to Paris in 2018 to paint a collection of murals during the 50 year anniversary of the 1968 student uprising. There was a massive occupation of university buildings asking for “a new world”, far away from the consumerist capitalism and in which migrants would obtain asylum. A very contemporary theme. The most famous, a mural with a mouse was located at the beginning of Rue Maitre Albert, next to a migrant center. The 8 has been removed, becoming Minnie Mouse’s ears. The ideals of 1968 have fallen in favor of a typical capitalist symbol for Paris: Disneyland.

The Red Horseman is on Avenue de Flandre . It is Napoleon with a red veil on his face. It is probably a criticism of French law, forbidding the wearing of the Niqab in public, which was brought into reality in 2010.

The second European city in our Banksy guide is Naples, the place where Banksy created his first ever work in Italy. Madonna with a Gun , on Piazza Gerolomini is visible from Via dei Tribunali. The work is evidently a comment on the city’s reputation as full of devout Catholics and at the same time, of gun crime. As a matter of fact, a gun has been painted in place of a halo on the Virgin Mary , whose glance is towards a votive niche, which doesn’t exist anymore.

Venice was an efficacious theater for Banksy. We couldn’t miss it in Banksy’s guide. The city was the place of his performance next to the Biennale in May 2019. He exposed a satirical street stall of oil paintings depicting a large cruise ship surrounded by Venetian gondolas. This was probably a criticism of the negative impact of tourism on the city. A pair of policemen invited him to go away, not having any permission to open a stall.

Just a few days earlier, Banksy had completed the Migrant Child , on the island of Dorsoduro, visible from Campiello Mosca. This work represents a child wearing a lifejacket and holding a pink flare. A reference to migrants and refugees is evident and it is currently a strong political issue in the country.

The location is this building .

Banksy Guide: British Cities

Next city in Banksy guide is London. It has always been one of Banksy’s favorite spots. It was even the scenario in which an epic battle took place: the one between him and the veteran street artist King Robbo (see details here ).

Some of Banksy’s artworks are still fairly visible in the city. The first is Yellow Lines Flower Painter , on Pollard Street . The graffiti shows a painter resting after painting double yellow lines that turn into a large yellow flower on a wall. Over the years, the work has been heavily damaged. Only the top of the flower still survives.

The work Shop until You Drop survives on the side of an office building on Bruton Lane . Also known as the Falling Shopper , shows a woman falling from the top of a building together with a shopping cart. The artwork simply points out the perils of consumerism. It is now still visible, although quite damaged.

The artwork entitled Designated Graffiti Area is situated at the back of the nightclub Cargo, on Rivington Street . It consists of the exact words “designated graffiti area” accompanied by a security guard with a poodle guard dog. Self-explanatory: graffiti is illegal, so let’s legalize it by writing a permission statement. Ironic as usual.

In Liverpool, Rumford Street , you can still see Love Plane , a copy of which had appeared in London but today has totally vanished ). What about love instead of pollution?

Brighton was the place of the iconic Kissing Coppers . “Was”, because the original one was removed from the wall and sold to an anonymous buyer in Miami in 2011. However, a copy remains on Frederick Street , since the sentiment of the work was very important. Some think Banksy is poking fun at policemen, but others believe the work has a strong positive meaning, as showing a human side to the police force and at the same time imagining a sexual-identity accepting society.

Bristol is an important location in the Banksy guide. It’s probably the artist’s home, therefore there is plenty of graffiti, many of which are perfectly preserved. Therefore, it takes a pride position in our Banksy guide.

On Lower Lamb Street you can see You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky . The view in Google Maps is from 2012 because it is a very hidden place and it has not been photographed again since, but the work is still there, although a bit modified by a sort of door. The meaning of the sentence may be a sweet encouragement to dream the future, as also suggested by the smile created with the sentence.

The work Girl with the Pierced Eardrum appears between Hanover Place and Sydney Row . It is evidently Banksy’s 21st century translation of Johannes Vermeer’s  Girl With a Pearl Earring . The difference lies in the technique and in the earring itself, which is an octagonal burglar alarm. Our street artist is also a champion in incorporating pre-existing features into his oeuvres. But there’s more about this Girl . In 2020 someone gifted it with a pandemic-accessory: a mask. Was it Banksy or not? That’s not important: the message is clear.

2023 update: As the restrictions were lifted throughout the world the mask on the Dutch girl’s face was also gone.

On Stoke Croft , you can admire one of the first (if not the first) piece of Banksy street art in Bristol, created in 1999 – The Mild Mild West . It depicts a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at three riot police. It refers to the police forbidding raves in abandoned buildings in Bristol during the 1990s. Nothing wild, just always the “mild,” quiet England.

After that, a damaged but still visible piece is one on Park Street . Well-Hung Lovers or Naked Man Hanging from Window acquires a notable meaning especially because the street artist painted it on the side of a sexual health clinic.

Finally, the most masterpiece was Achoo!! , in Vale Street . It was found in December 2020 in Totterdown, a suburb of Bristol. Banksy reveals once again to be always up to date: the graffiti shows an old lady which is sneezing and losing her dentures. A warning against the fashion of not waring a mask? The piece became famous also for another reason. Banksy himself published a photo of the graffiti with a man and his umbrella in a sense “hit” by the sneeze. Who is that man? Is he the artist? Impossible! … Or not? Currently, the work is not to be seen in its original location. In 2021 the graffiti was removed from the house wall and set to be auctioned…

Hastings, St Leonard on Sea

Going further south in England, in Hastings, St Leonard on Sea , you can find the Tesco Sandcastles painting . This is evidently another criticism of consumerism: Tesco is a famous chain of supermarkets. From the street, the painting can be spotted thanks to the plexiglass covering it.

On the wall of a garage on Coome Street , an Origami-Crane with a goldfish in its mouth appeared in 2012. Nowadays it is barely distinguishable from the wall, but it is surely still there. Its interpretation could refer to the problem of extinction of animals: will only “fake” ones remain?

God Bless Birmingham , as it was baptized, is a work on Vyse Street which became famous all over the world because it features in a video on Banksy’s Instagram. It shows a homeless person named Ryan on a bench playing the role of Santa Claus, being pulled by two reindeer. However, just a few hours later, a vandal added red noses on the reindeer. A protective covering now stands in front of the work.

H ere is the exact location of the famous bench.

Port Talbot

The same story goes for Port Talbot in Wales. The place visible from Google Maps is clean because the piece was created on an anonymous garage just a few months before the photo was taken. It is Season’s Greetings , an artwork that, playing with perspective, makes us reflect on pollution. What seems to be snow is in reality ashes. The reason for choosing Port Talbot was simple: it had just been crowned as the most polluted city in the United Kingdom. The piece was removed in May 2019 after a collector, gallery owner John Brandler, payed an incredibly large amount of money to have it and show it in a gallery in the city center. Therefore, the piece can’t be seen in person in its original place. In February 2022, the work was removed from the Welsh town to an undisclosed location.

In Nottingham, you could find another work of genius, a reason enough to put it in Banksy guide. On Rothesay Avenue, on October 13th, 2020, a girl hula-hooping with a tire was found, just next to a bike chained to a lamp post. And the bike is missing a tire! Banksy claimed his augmented-reality graffiti on October 17th, as usual via his Instagram page.

Then, the artwork has been removed, like Season’s Greetings (just a year and a half before), from the side of the building in Nottingham and again sold to Brandler. He declared that “wanted to help preserve it, as well as put it on display.”

United Kingdom East Coast

During summer, Banksy made A Great British Spraycation , a tour in some towns of the UK east coast. He created 10 artworks in total, each one with particular significance, resonance and destiny. Here’s a map specific to this summer vacation next home, or “staycation” (so explained the word pun).

Oulton Broad

We will start from Saint Nicholas Everitt Park , Oulton Broad (Suffolk). Here, and precisely on the Landspring Drain, We’re All in the Same Boat appeared in early August 2021.

It is a graffiti representing three kids on an actual metal boat, and one of them is throwing water out of the boat. The masterpiece is very interesting for a lot of reasons. First, the artwork appeared on the side of a bridge and the piece of metal blocked the flowing of a drain of the park, probably with the intentional aim of irrigating/flooding the surroundings. The boat was removed to guarantee the flow again. Secondly, it could be read as a warning for everyone: “we’re all facing a pandemic , and we’re all facing climate change .” Everyone in the world! Third, it could recall and maybe criticize the yacht club and station present in town. Banksy had already warned against excessive boat traffic some years ago, in Venice, at the Biennale (see above). The work is now under a protection screen.

In Lowestoft, the artist left three graffitis. You can find all of them in Banksy guide. The first one can be seen in Katwijk Way , Lowestoft, Suffolk, on the side of this previously totally white house. The work represents a seagull trying to eat “chips”, which actually are pieces of insulation material. This is of course a reference to the normal tendency of seagulls of searching in garbage, and probably a warning against excess of garbage we produce.

The second one is located in London Road North, next to Regent Road. On the walls of a definitive closed shop shown below, there’s a child holding a crowbar next to a hill of sand, resembling a sandcastle. Banksy could have addressed the actual difficult infancy of some children. A local council put a screen on this work, too.

Then, on the bottom of Links Hill, in North Beach, a relaxed rat in a deckchair and drinking a cocktail appeared. The rat is a recurrent subject for Banksy, as if it was his counterpart, and here it simply appears like everyone else at that point of the year: on vacation! But just below there’s a drain that drips wastewater… Would you continue to ignore pollution? The graffiti was soon ruined with white paint, but the local experts are trying to restore it.

Great Yarmouth

In Great Yarmouth (Norfolk), the artist created two murals in a few meters.

The first can be seen on top of this bus shelter in Admiralty Road , where there are three people depicted in a life-size scale: an elderly woman and an elderly man dancing on the left, and one man playing an accordion while sitting on the right. It seems saying: Don’t forget your grandparents! Actually, authorities placed barriers around the bus stop in order to protect it.

Not far away, within the Merrivale Model Village, Banksy positioned a new cottage among the others already present and he wrote on it: Go Big or Go Home . The message is clear: you either aim for the stars or do nothing at all. The cottage has been placed in a protective transparent box, and was displayed just a few hours during the day, always under direct supervision. According to the Google Maps, Merrivale Model Village is temporarily closed and not available for tourists.

Gorleston-on-sea

Just few meters away, in Gorleston-on-sea (Norfolk), Banksy stenciled a very debated subject. On the little wall of Gorleston Model Boat Club (a pond where you can enjoy races with your model boat), next to the central bench, he realized two children who are thrown away into the air, holding to an inflatable dinghy being pumped up by an adult, who is not caring because they are drinking something. The mural was immediately painted over, because it painfully recalled a terrible event. In 2018, a little girl died after an inflatable trampoline burst exactly on the beach of the town. The local community was too sensitive and thanked the deletion of the artwork. What did Banksy want to say with this?

In the same location, on the seafront, there are some benches with a shelter. An arcade-style grabber crane was painted. This is another example of the relationship of Banksy with seaside: love and criticism. You could be… grabbed up. In the hours following the apparition, someone added six teddy bears and the words “Banksy Collaboration Emo.” Therefore, the artwork is no more the original one. Recently, the graffiti protected by plastic board has been defaced with an offensive message. Luckily, in January 2022 a local Banksy-fan, “Steven Osborne said he spent 90 minutes scratching away at the slogan by using a plastic spoon” – BBC reported.

Cromer Beach

In the beach of Cromer (Norfolk), another type of warning. Luxury Rentals Only is a stencil in which the attention of some hermit crabs is captured by a sign with those words, hold by another one in a shell and surrounded by other shells. It is precisely on the seawall visible here , next to the beach huts. The artwork probably referred to the problems of second homes. There are roughly twice as many second homes in the UK as there are people experiencing homelessness. Moreover, the city of Norfolk has an extremely large number of vacation homes and local people have incredible difficulty in finding a home. The graffiti acquires a large sense and serious message addressing to homelessness, refugees and also rental market.

King’s Lynn

At the crossroads between London Road and Guanock Place, in King’s Lynn, there is a statue of Frederick Savage , an engineer of late 19th century which was also mayor of the town. The artist decided to add a colored tongue and an ice cream. Make a smile!

Banksy Guide: American Cities

The Big Apple was one of Banksy’s favorite canvases, so it had be included in Banksy guide. For example, in 2008 it was the place of The Village Pet Store & Charcoal Grill , an art installation. It took the form of a fake pet shop, criticizing our relationship with animals and questioning the ethics and sustainability of factory farming. It featured creepy exemplars, like chicken nuggets with legs dipping themselves in sauce.

New York was also the city of the Better Out than in Residency , a one-month period in October 2013 during which Banksy created one artwork a day.

However, New York is the principal city of street artists. Therefore, many of Banksy’s works are now lost because they were painted over. The best conserved one is Hammer Boy on 79th Street . The child is playing a high striker or strongman game commonly found at carnivals; however, the exact meaning of the piece is unclear.

New Orleans

Next destination on our Banksy guide is the city of jazz, where he created a few pieces of graffiti. The most known is Nola , or Girl with Umbrella , on Annette Street . It appeared in response to the hurricanes that devastated New Orleans, affectionately called NOLA: Katrina in 2005 and Gustav in 2008. Banksy’s aim was to show sympathy for the city’s inhabitants. The young girl relies on her umbrella for obvious protection against the rain but discovers that the umbrella itself is the source of the rain.

Los Angeles

In LA an actual masterpiece can be admired. The pre-existing word “PARKING” is modified into “PARK”, erasing the last three letters and adding a girl on a swing. The street artist probably wanted to warn against the necessity of guaranteeing places for kids instead of creating more spaces for cars. The work is still present along S. Broadway, in a narrow passage between two buildings. Of course, it was originally a parking lot.

San Francisco

On Broadway , San Francisco, open criticism of American politics is depicted. If at First You Don’t Succeed – Call an Airstrike , says a child wearing a gas mask. The usual, ironic Banksy develops in his own version of a famous quote. The work is at a high position and is only perceivable because of sun during the day.

Toronto, another position on our Banksy guide, was the scene of another graffiti battle, the one against the Grey Ghost. He was a mysterious figure who painted over graffiti with a grey tone. He covered many of Banksy’s pieces, unfortunately none of them can be seen today. The one in Church Street, represented a man hugging a kid and another man on the other side, who seems to be looking at the word “Banksy”.

The other one, Guard with Balloon Dog , was put in a museum to be preserved.

Banksy Guide: Palestine and Mediterranean Sea

The walled off hotel and the armored dove.

This location is a must-see in our Banksy guide. The artist was very active in reference to the Israel-Palestine question, especially on the wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. In the latter city, he created The Walled Off Hotel . This is a real hotel in Caritas Street , Bethlehem, which the artist himself projected and furnished. It has a special view: the controversial wall. The furniture and decorations are also studied ad hoc : an example is the painting in a room representing two soldiers in the middle of a pillow fight.

The wall itself was a great canvas for a lot of street artists. Besides around 7 artworks realized on it, Banksy also chose the side of a Palestinian Heritage Center to create his Armored Dove . In this difficult city, even the perennial symbol of peace has to protect itself.

The Louise Michel Boat

In the Mediterranean Sea, Banksy bought and painted a boat, which was then donated to a non-governmental organization to save migrants and refugees. It was named Louise Michel  after a French feminist anarchist. This is another sign on the same theme of Venice’s mural.

Ghost Oeuvres

Banksy’s ghost oeuvres are countless. Now, Banksy claims his art pieces on Instagram and had previously published them on his personal site. However, not every piece of work appears on either his social media or his personal site. Some could have been painted on successively destroyed buildings; authorities or other artists may have erased some others. Let’s take a look at some of the more significant ones.

One Nation under CCTV is the famous criticism about controlling lives under the excuse of security and it was totally painted over. It was visible in 2008 on Newman Street , London. The mural was painted over in April 2009.

One of the best tributes to the past and contemporarily a statement of his own aim was Choose Your Weapon , on The Grange , London. Now you can see only a painted over spot where the graffiti used to be. The dog was used as a form of protection against criminals for the young people of this district. But the man is Banksy himself, and the dog is Keith Haring’s . So, Banksy recognizes where his art comes from, at the same time declaring that street art is his weapon.

Here is a street view of this artwork from April 2015.

If Graffiti Changed Anything – It Would Be Illegal says a simple, self-explanatory statement on Clipstone Street , London. In the current Google view we can see a completely renovated street – but here is a street view from July 2014 with the still visible artwork.

The famous Masked Gorilla or Gorilla in a Pink Mask from 2008 was painted over many times and then restored. The last time (in 2020) anonymous people definitively covered it. It was located on Fishpond Road , Bristol (now you can see only a stain from cleaning the wall).

Ghost-to-be Oeuvres? Banksy Supporting Ukraine

After quite a prolonged artistic silence, Banksy came back in 2022. His new work was a series of seven masterpieces in five different locations in Ukraine , created to shed light on the ongoing war.

Of course we cannot see them on Google maps yet. They are constantly being painted on building ruins and it is possible that some or all of them will be destroyed before anyone has the opportunity to protect them. This could be the first meaning of the series: life, as art, is extremely precious and it is in such dangerous places that destruction could come at any time. People should protect them!

In Kyiv we can see the first work, two children playing on a tank trap. Also there is a representation of a tank carrying an unconventional rocket, that is in fact a penis. The first seems to recall, as is usual in Banksy’s work, the innocence of childhood as well as its ability to ignore war and elude any rule. Children are always children, under any condition, and always give value to friendship over conflict. This mural has already been ruined by the elimination of the metal bar.

In the second work the sarcastic remark about Russia is clear: the tank has their symbol and instead of a rocket it carries representation of a penis.

Just outside the capital city, in Borodyanka, two other works have been found.

On the wall of a school, a little boy wearing an untidy judo uniform beats up an adult. As often happens in Banksy’s works, we can read this mural on multiple levels. The first is, again, the strength of childhood. Even if their school was destroyed, children will survive and overcome adults. The second level is metaphorical: the man represents Russia. The man is about to hit the ground because of a child, representing Ukraine. The smaller, more vulnerable, and poor are always fighting back. On a third level, Banksy seems to indicate real people. In fact, the Russian president has a judo black belt and furthermore was dismissed from the honorary presidency of an international judo society after the start of the war.

Not too far away a young girl is doing gymnastics, specifically she is doing a handstand on rubble. Borodyanka was one of the cities most severely hit by bombardment at the beginning of the war in February 2022.

Hostomel, Horenka, and Irpin

Banksy created more works in Hostomel. He used a real object, in this case a chair, to complete a composition on an abandoned house. A woman appears to be standing on the chair while wearing a bathrobe, a pair of slippers, as well as a gas mask. She also holds a fire extinguisher, ready for use. Like every other piece in this series, this represents the abandonment of everyday life and its peace because of war.

The man in the bathtub in Horenka carries a similar message as the previous work. Here, a building with many apartments was ripped completely open and has lost some walls and pieces of the roof. Anyone can see inside the house. The graffiti of an aged man taking a bath is quite visible, as if saying that is not his house anymore.

Finally, in Irpin, another city in the hinterland of Kyiv, a girl practices rhythmic gymnastics with her ribbon and a neck brace. Under her foot there is only a huge hole. In a sense, she could be a symbol of Ukraine: still doing her part, even if severely injured and balancing on the void. Banksy recently became an honorary citizen of Irpin because of this work.

Banksy Guide: Hidden Pieces

Here are four globally famous pieces that are neither easily visible on Google Maps, nor easy to find on the streets.

First of all Laugh Now, But One Day We’ll Be in Charge , a piece that the artist also largely sold. Is it a warning about exploiting poor people, who will one day rebel? Or about exploiting animals and putting an end to the human species?

Secondly, Love is in the Air or Flower Thrower , another masterpiece on a wall on the side of a garage in Jerusalem on the main road to Bethlehem. It is next to the famous, hated wall. The artwork refers to the idea of throwing something other than bombs might result in peace.

The third position in our Banksy guide is taken by the graffiti in Dover. It shed light on Brexit, showing a man destroying a star on the European Union flag. When Brexit was about to become a reality, someone painted over the stencil work. Banksy said that he had planned to update the mural with a fallen flag on Brexit day, but someone did an even better job.

Last but not least, There Is Always Hope (or Girl with Balloon  or  Balloon Girl  or  Girl and Balloon ), the famous masterpiece depicting a girl losing her balloon, is no more visible on its original wall in London, but has been repainted in many locations and then largely sold as an icon on many surfaces. Its most famous reproduction on canvas became Love is in the Bin at the moment of sale. The artist had hidden a paper shredder in the frame, which activated when the auction operators moved the painting. A revolutionary idea that only a genius or a visionary (or a visionary genius?) could have come up with.

Maybe we will never have a real “ultimate” Banksy guide: the artworks are too numerous, and the artist is still active. But many are happy with that: they are now just waiting for Banksy’s next original. Nevertheless, we hope you enjoyed our Banksy guide.

Bibliography

Banksy, Gary Shove, Patrick Potter, Lee Crutchley, You are an acceptable level of threat and if you were not you would know about it , Great Britain, Carpet Bombing Culture, 10th Edition, 2019.

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Banksy in Bristol: 3 Walking Tours (With Printable Maps!)

Do you fancy heading out on a self-guided Banksy walking tour of Bristol? Read on for three different routes you can take and street art maps for each of them…

Banksy & Bristol

Did you know that world-renowned street artist, Banksy, had some very humble beginnings?

He (or she) was born in the very cool and quirky city of Bristol, England in the 1970s, and grew to be what is now possibly the most famous street artist in the world, with works now selling for obscene amounts of money.

Although his work can now be found in auctions, as well as out on the streets of places like London, Los Angeles and New York City, Bristol in the UK is home to a number of Banksy’s earlier works.

And it’s just one of many great things about living in Bristol !

This blog aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to embark on a self-guided Banksy walking tour (for free) of either 0.5 miles, 3 miles or 4.5 miles, and includes custom street art tour maps (previews below):

Bristol Banksy Walking Tour – 0.5 Miles – Stokes Croft

This short half-mile walk takes you through possibly one of the coolest areas of Bristol – Stokes Croft. It’ll take you about 45 minutes depending on how long you hang out in pubs.

Here, you’ll find three Banksy murals as well as lots of other pieces by lesser-known street artists. You also have the option to chill out in the popular drinking hole, The Canteen, which is also home to a Banksy work of art.

Why not try this walk as an epic Bristol date idea ?

You’ll find a street art tour map of the Banksy murals found on this 0.5 mile walk beneath the photos and descriptions of the Banksy murals you’ll see on this walk.

1. Blowpop Records

This stencil mural was originally designed as album artwork, of which there are less than 100 surviving copies… and one street art version right here in Bristol.

This stencil is now a little difficult to see, and the last time we saw it, it was behind some security fencing due to building works. But if you look closely, you can just make it out!

Banksy Address Book:

Cave St Bristol BS2 8RU

If you’re getting thirsty already, might I suggest you make a quick pit stop at Cosie’s? It’s a cute little bar in a cellar, which comes complete with caves outside and a very cosy feel inside.

2. The Mild Mild West

This mural is right on the side of a building overlooking The Canteen’s beer garden, a very popular spot for both food and drink.

I’d definitely recommend resting here with a cider and some delicious grub (food).

If the weather’s nice, sit out in the beer garden and you’ll be able to stare at Banksy’s ‘The Mild Mild West’ for as long as you like (or at least until closing time).

The Canteen Hamilton House 80 Stokes Croft Bristol BS1 3QY

3. Rose on a Mousetrap

Found on the side of someone’s home, more than 20 local residents are said to have put their money together to buy a frame for this particular mural, (to protect it from vandalism), making this one of the best-preserved pieces in Bristol.

I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s super proud that Banksy comes from Bristol – so don’t you forget it!

Thomas Street North Bristol BS6 5TN

Check out our map here to see an option to print it from Google. And if you also want a PDF printout of all the Banksy addresses included below, you can sign up for it here!

UPDATE (May 2023): Back in 2019, we updated these Banksy walking tours to remove two murals we’d initially included.

‘Take The Money And Run’ at 33 Bath Buildings was sadly graffitied over in 2019; a reader kindly shared a photo of how it looked when they visited in the blog comments below, so you can see why we decided to remove the mural from our tours.

Two other readers also contacted us in May 2023 to confirm the mural is sadly still graffitied over.

We’d also included a bonus mural in this short walk for ‘Elephant Missile’, which was at 4 Balmoral Road. That one has unfortunately also been painted over, this time in thick red paint, so you can no longer see it at all.

It’s a real shame that this has happened to such historic Banksy murals, however, we’ve still left the photos of them below so you can see how they used to look in their prime…

Take The Money And Run (Graffitied Over)

Banksy’s ‘Take The Money And Run’ is one of his earliest known works, and was created in collaboration with Inky and Mobz.

As per the update above, it was graffitied over in 2019. A reader kindly shared a photo in the blog comments below so you can see how it looked when they visited… such a shame!

We’ve also had other readers contact us in May 2023 to confirm the mural is still graffitied over.

33 Bath Buildings Bristol BS6 5PT

Elephant Missile (Painted Over)

This Banksy mural was a tiny piece that used to pack a huge message, and you would likely have walked right by it when it was here.

It used to be on the side of a house, right under the St. Andrews Road sign, however, it has since been painted over.

In the photo above taken a few years ago, you can just about see that this mural used to depict an elephant carrying a missile. 

4 Balmoral Rd Bristol BS7 9AZ

Need more Banksy in your life? Check out this photo essay of a Banksy exhibition in Amsterdam!

Bristol Banksy Walking Tour – 3 Miles – Central Bristol

This slightly longer 3 mile walk takes you through Central Bristol and around the Harbourside to see some of Banksy’s more famous Bristol murals and takes about 2 hours to complete.

You’ll also finish at one of the best restaurants in this area for food, which has cuisine from a number of different regions from around the world!

Once again, we’ve created a street art tour map, which you’ll find beneath the photos and descriptions listed below.

1. Paint Pot Angel

Found inside the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, this is actually not a mural, but a statue and again, a must for Banksy fans.

But don’t worry! This museum is free to explore , and alongside this Banksy masterpiece, you’ll find loads more awesome artwork!

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery Queens Rd Bristol BS8 1RL

2. Well-Hung Lover

What a name, eh? This is Banksy at his finest, playing on words to his heart’s content!

And the best bit? This mural is on the side of a sexual health clinic – how’s that for strategic placement?

Sadly, since the mural was painted, it’s been shot at with a paintball gun… so you’ll spot a slightly different mural from the one shown above today.

Frogmore Street Bristol BS1 5NA

3. Grim Reaper

This haunting piece was originally painted on the side of Thekla – a boat housing a bar and restaurant.

To help protect it from wear and decay from the harbour, the piece was moved to Bristol’s M Shed and is on display for everyone to see for free there. 

M Shed Wapping Wharf Bristol BS1 4RN

4. Girl with a Pierced Eardrum

When I first found this mural, I had no idea it was by Banksy, and listed it as one of my top discoveries in Bristol .

A t the time, I just thought how clever it was! I’ve since found out that it’s a Banksy mural from 2014.

Albion Dockyard Hanover Place Bristol BS1 6UT

5. You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky

Perhaps one of Banksy’s simplest works of art, yet one that conveys so much meaning – proof that Banksy is a true artist.

This piece simply quotes: “You don’t need planning permission to build castles in the sky” , shaped like a smiling face.

99 Lower Lamb Street Bristol BS1 5QR

Check out our walking tour map to see an option to print it from Google. And if you also want a PDF printout of all the Banksy addresses included below, you can sign up for it here!

After your walk, I’d recommend having dinner at Za Za Bazaar, a very popular place with tourists and locals alike here in Bristol.

They offer different cuisines from around the world including Italian, American, Asian, British and Indian and are an “all you can eat” buffet-style place.

They even have an island dedicated to desserts! If you want to find out more about this quirky restaurant, take a look at our Bristol city guide .

Looking for more things to do in Bristol? Check out this epic list of 75 things you must do in Bristol!

Bristol Banksy Walking Tour – 4.5 Miles – Stokes Croft and Easton

This is a much longer walk that includes some of the murals found on the half-mile walk, but also takes you out to a couple of Bristol suburbs where you’ll find another couple of Banksy’s more famous Bristol murals.

You’ll need 3-4 hours to complete this walk. And you’ll end your walk in Cabot Circus, where I’d recommend checking out the various restaurants found here – you’re sure to find something you like, even Vegan and Gluten-free!

As this is a longer walk, you’re going to need your sustenance! If you haven’t yet had lunch, I’d recommend starting at Biblos for delicious wraps. The jerk pork wrap is particularly tasty!

Psst! Don’t forget to check out our Banksy walking tour map. You’ll find it below the following photos and mural descriptions!

1. The Mild Mild West

Found on the side of a building overlooking a popular bar called The Canteen, is one of Banksy’s more famous Bristol murals.

Plus, it’s handy being able to stop off for a drink or a bite to eat here if you want, while looking up at a Banksy masterpiece.

2. Rose on a Mousetrap

It’s said that at least 20 residents put their money together to help protect this mural from vandals with a glass and wooden frame; making this one of Bristol’s most preserved Banksy murals.

It’s found on the side of someone’s home and with the frame around it, you can’t miss it!

3. Blowpop Records

This small mural was originally designed as a limited-edition album sleeve.

Although the stencil is difficult to see nowadays and is obscured slightly by fencing, you can still make it out if you look closely.

Whilst you’re here, I’d also recommend a stop off at Cosie’s – a cute bar found in a cellar, which is just as cosy as the name suggests.

4. Graffiti Cat and Dog

Another of Banksy’s earliest works, this piece can be found alongside loads of different street art pieces.

This makes it the perfect spot for creating a colourful Bristol photo essay or simply admiring the best of local art.

Corner of Robertson Road and Foster Street Easton Bristol BS5 6JE

5. Masked Gorilla (No Longer There)

This final Banksy mural has an interesting story to tell. Although it’s an early Banksy masterpiece, it was accidentally painted over in 2011 and later restored. However, we understand it now does not exist at all.

Fishponds Road Eastville Bristol BS5 6PN

After your walk, you’ll probably need to make your way back to the City Centre.

I’d recommend you head to Cabot Circus shopping centre, which has an upper level dedicated to restaurants and fast food places.

From Italian, to American, to Asian, there are lots of food choices here so you’re sure to find something you like, including Vegan and Gluten-free friendly options!

Banksy Bristol Update (May 2023)

Back in 2019, we found out that ‘Take The Money And Run’ at 33 Bath Buildings was sadly graffitied over.

A reader kindly shared a photo of how it looked when they visited in the blog comments below, so you can see why we decided to remove the mural from our tours.

We’ve also been contacted by other readers in May 2023 to confirm the mural is still graffitied over.

It’s a real shame that this has happened to such a historic Banksy mural, however, we’ve still left the photos of it below so you can see how it used to look in its prime…

One of Banksy’s earlier works, ‘Take The Money And Run’ was created in collaboration with Inky and Mobz…

Although it was in really good condition when we saw it a couple of years ago, a couple of readers have since found out that the mural has been graffitied over.

One of those awesome readers (thanks Jim!)  kindly shared a photo in the blog comments below so you can see how it looked when he visited… such a shame! 

Moving to Bristol? Read more in this detailed expat guide to colourful Bristol!

Banksy Bristol Update (February 2020)

You may have heard that a brand new Banksy appeared in Bristol just before Valentine’s Day 2020.

Although it was vandalised within just a couple of days, which Banksy is apparently happy about , we managed to snap a quick photo of it before then.

The mural has since been boarded over so we’ll be keeping an eye on it to see what happens next.

As soon as the mural is back on display (and ideally restored), we’ll update our Banksy walking tours to include it.

For now, though, we thought you’d like to see what it looked like pre-vandalism:

I hope this Banksy walking tour guide comes in handy when you next visit Bristol! Which walk do you think you might head on first? Feel free to jot down a few notes in the comments, or if you’ve still got questions, then let me know!

And did you remember to check out our walking tour maps and handy PDF? Grab your maps here , or sign up for the PDF version now !

Did you like this? Share it now!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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20 comments

Thank you we used your guide to get street names..

That’s great news! I’m glad you found it useful… I hope you managed to scout out loads of Banksy pieces?! 😀

Take the money and run has been covered again

Hi Simon, Thanks so much for letting us know, although that’s a real shame it’s been covered over again. We’ll update the blog post to let people know 🙂

Thanks for this! We also mostly used the addresses ? sadly have to tell you ‘take the money and run’ has been spraypainted over by some moron ?

Oh no! That’s terrible news, such a shame you couldn’t see it at its prime. Thanks for letting us know though; we’ll add a note to the blog to say so. Hope you had fun hunting for murals all the same! ?

To follow-on from Sofie’s comment, I can confirm ‘Take the Money and Run’ has been spray-painted over, leaving only a small portion still visible, as you can see here:

https://ibb.co/wpdmtLY

Thanks very much for sharing this photo with us… we can now see exactly how bad the spray paint is. It’s such a shame, but looks like we may have to update these tours to remove ‘Take the Money and Run’ from them as it seems like it’s not worth visiting any more at all.

At least we have the photos of it from its ‘heyday’ to remember it though. And fingers crossed Banksy comes back and leaves us all another mural in Bristol! 🙂

Best, Justine

Hi, Just done all of the walks above (in a roundabout way) so here’s an update for you. The elephant missle has been painted over in thick red masonary paint now so you can’t see it sadly. We found blowpop in Portland Square (next to the cellar bar), it is currently behind some security fencing as the building is a bit delapidatd. Not sure what’s going to happen to it. As someone else has said, Take The Money and Run has heavy graffiti over the top of it now so it is almost unrecognisable. I have photos of the locations if you want them. Thanks for the heads up blog though, it really helped.

Thanks so much for sharing this info!

It’s really cool to hear that so many of you are trying out these Banksy walking tours, although it’s a real shame that some of them have been painted over. We appreciate you letting us know; we’ll be sure to update this blog to reflect the changes that have happened over the years.

Ahh well, at least we have some old photos to preserve Banksy’s masterpieces, eh? 🙂

Either way, I still hope you had fun scouting out the murals!

The “You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky” mural no longer looks like a smiling face. They have added a garage door in the middle of it and tried to restore it, but it didn’t work very well. So sad, this would have been one of my favorites to see ):

Oh no, that’s such a shame!

Thanks for letting us know though Elizabeth… I’ll update the blog post now with a note so that people are aware of the issues with this one. It seems to be happening to so many of these Banksy murals 🙁

The mural “Take the money and run” has been restored, was there on 16.06.19.

That’s wonderful news, thanks for letting us know! <3

In the Bristol museum and art gallery, there is a very big Banksy painting/digital print on your right when you’ve entered. Is this new there? Because I don’t understand why this piece isn’t mentioned with the Paint Pot Angel. They’re at the same location.

Thanks for commenting and for letting us know about the Banksy print in the museum!

We’ll have to check it out as we didn’t see it when we visited a few years ago… always more to be discovered in Bristol 🙂

Hi, I just want to say thanks for this guide it helped us through Bristol today. Also wanted to update you. The masked gorilla has white paint over it. I have a picture which I could email? Many thanks Sharlene

Hi Sharlene, Thanks so much for commenting! So pleased to hear you liked the guide… we noticed on Instagram that you saw a lot of Banksys, which is great news! Although sorry to hear about the masked gorilla 🙁 …we’ll update the blog shortly with this info, so thanks very much for sharing! xoxo

We had great fun finding some of these. Unfortunately the rose trap frame and glass has been vandalised but you can just about see the painting underneath and it looks intact still. Hopefully the residents will restore the frame again.

Hi Laurie, Thanks so much for commenting! I’m glad you enjoyed your Banksy walking tour 😀 Such a shame to hear about the mouse trap one, but thanks for letting us know. I’ll update the blog so others are aware 🙂 Agreed, fingers crossed they can fix it!

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Banksy in Bristol: Self-Guided Walking Tour & Artwork Locations

Shrouded in mystery and considered an English national treasure, Banksy is by far one of the leading graffiti artists in the world. Discover all of his creative works of art in Bristol and throughout England.

While a fair share of Banksy’s artworks is either painted over, removed, or faded, quite a few are still up for viewing.

Discovering Banksy in Bristol through a self-guided walking tour is like a DIY Amazing Race – fun, exciting, and quite educational as you get to know the city.

Most tourists end up visiting Bristol to explore the extraordinary culture and history. There are countless art galleries and contemporary spaces, and museums that will add to your exciting adventures.

Whether you’re curating a two-day Bristol itinerary and looking for something fun to do or just looking for a quick tour of the best Banksy artwork Bristol has on offer, this guide is for you.

Keep reading as you learn about where to find the current prominent Banksy artworks.

Banksy – Bristol

Banksy has long been a figure of mystery and thought-provoking artwork. While not much is known about the artist itself, many scientists and journalists have had assumptions on who it may be.

Scientists used geographic profiling to figure out who Banksy is, and thus, we’re left with the name of Robin Gunningham.

Journalists have since explored the idea and developed their speculations and stories based on this name. As the story goes, Robin Gunningham was expelled from school at 14 years old but was discovered to be a freehand graffiti artist somewhere around 1993.

People have pictured him as a silver chain wearing, scruffy-bearded caucasian guy that may have even spent some time in prison. If Banksy is Robin Gunningham, he was born in Bristol, and thus Bristol and Banksy have strong ties.

Regarding the history of Banksy’s art, Bristol was considered one of the first places for his artworks to become famous. It is also suggested that Banksy lived in Bristol until the 2000s, before moving to London.

Since nothing else has been confirmed (as anonymity is crucial), not much else is known about this mysterious anti-authoritarian artist.

While we remain on a quest to discover who the real Banksy is, many other theories have been proposed.

Some people suggest that he could be Massive Attack’s artist Robert Del Naja or Neil Buchanan. Unfortunately for the conspiracy theorists, these allegations have been cleared up, so the mystery continues.

Where to Find Banksy’s Art – Bristol

As they say, there is more than one way to skin a cat – similarly, there are just as many ways to view your chosen Banksy masterpieces.

It depends on which artworks you wish to see as well as how much time you have. There are a couple of routes to choose from and some exciting detours on the Bristol Banksy map. 

The best place to start is along the River Avon. Since most of the paintings are spread out, you may consider breaking up your viewings into different parts of the day or on different days altogether.

Some of the paintings are around five minutes apart, whereas the other murals can take around 30 minutes if you’re walking.

If you don’t mind and your healthy heart can handle it, this walk is the perfect way to explore and de-stress (kind of). And no one will judge you if you need to call a cab to help you the rest of the way.

It’s best to start in Hanover Street on Spike Island as it will guarantee you a day full of adventure, lots of learning, and, of course, as many Banksy pieces as possible.

Self-Guided Banksy Tour, Bristol

While a tour of the best Bristol attractions may be well worth the money, a stroll through the area to see some of Banksy’s creations is a unique way to get to know the region and is mostly free. But be sure to save some cash for snacks.

A couple of paid tours will take the hassle out of where to go and what to see, but what’s so wrong about a bit of brainwork to go with leg work? If you’re unsure which pieces you can discover or which treats you can get along the way, we’ve put together a quick guide to a Banksy walking tour in Bristol.

Learn about where to go, what to see, and some insider tips on what to do (or eat) from one Banksy location to another.

The Girl With The Pierced Eardrum

You’ve probably seen Vermeer’s famous Girl with a Pearl Earring? Well, this is one of Banksy’s more popular pieces and an interesting representation of that exact piece. Instead of an earring, however, you’ll see an ADT security alarm.

In October 2014, this piece was discovered and can be found close to the Bristol Marina. You can use the clock tower nearby as a landmark, but once you’re in the Albion Dockyard in Hanover Place, you’re all set. 

While you’re in the area, you may as well catch a quick burger to eat at a nearby burger van or grab a drink at the Orchard Inn just a minute away.

Location: Hanover PI, Bristol

The Grim Reaper

While some of Banksy’s paintings can still be seen where they were initially painted, sometimes the Banksy trail in Bristol leads off to more secure places (for the painting, that is).

This specific one was first found on the Thekla Social boat in Bristol harbour. The painting was moved to the M Shed in order to protect it.

Since the M Shed is by far one of the best resources for you to learn all about Bristol’s history, culture, and significance, it’s definitely a good detour for any kind of tour. Luckily for us, they’ve also got a great Banksy addition in their midst.

Location: Bristol’s M Shed

How to get there: From The Girl with The Pierced Eardrum, you can take a 10-minute walk along the river to get to the M Shed. Head toward Gas Ferry Road and then onto Caledonian Road. You’ll have to take the second left to get onto Museum Street. Follow this road until you find M Shed. If you’ve reached the Olive Shed Restaurant, then you’ve gone too far.

You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky

The description of this piece is in the name. You can find this gem hidden in an unassuming walkway in an industrial area.

It is one of the earliest Banksy creations and has since undergone some minor facelifts. A loading bay was built in the middle of the wording, but the piece remains somewhat intact.

If you’re curious enough to see the mural, you may want to get here as early on in the day as possible. It is in a relatively scary area and may be uncomfortable for non-locals, especially in the nighttime.

The Bristol Central Library is right around the corner, as well as some cool locations to spot along the way from M Shed.

If you’re looking to explore Bristol and not just Banksy, you can head into the Aquarium, the Rainbow Casino, or catch a bite to eat at Za Za Bazaar.

Location: 99 Lower Lamb St, Bristol

How to get there: Between the Grim Reaper and You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky, lie around 1.1km (0.7 miles). This walk could take you anywhere between 13 to 15 minutes.

From M Shed, you’ll have to walk northeast toward Wapping Road. Then cross the bridge into Prince Street and then turn right after Shakespeare Tavern. Follow the path onto Anchor Road and hit a right onto Lower Lamb street.

Well-Hung Lover

This Banksy artwork is also sometimes called “naked man hanging from window” because it depicts, well, a naked man hanging from a window.

The naked man, concealing his genitalia, hangs from the window while his lover and her partner are standing “inside”. It’s quite an exciting and deliberate commentary on sexual health as well as promiscuity.

You can find this piece along the wall of a sexual health clinic. The commentary and irony are worth quite a chuckle.

The piece is also the first legal street art piece in the Banksy collection. While it was somewhat protected by the government, vandals went along and fired blue paint directly onto the mural.

To see this intriguing artwork, you can head over to Park Street, right down to the bottom of the bridge, for the best views. The stencilled graffiti is close to the Vestibules art space and the Bristol Hippodrome.

Location: 1 Unity Street, Bristol

How to get there: The scenic route is around 0.3km (0.2 miles) from the previous mural. You’ll find that you’re in the city centre, so you may want to stop for water, a pint or even a light snack at one of the surrounding restaurants. Follow Deanery Road until you’ve reached the end. You’ll then follow the pathway next to the water before going to Unity Street, and voila! You’ve made it!

Paint Pot Angel

The Paint Pot Angel can be found in the sculpture hall of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. In 2009, the museum was overtaken with Banksy Art for an exhibition. The Banksy versus Bristol exhibition was a huge success and featured a multitude of fresh artwork.

Most of the art had never been seen before, and it displayed the usual style and symbolism that Banksy tends to use in his murals.

The Paint Pot Angel was left behind as a symbol of good faith and as a gift to the museum.

The Paint Pot Angel is one of the only Banksy statues left in Bristol. It depicts an angel with a paint pot over her head and pinkish-red paint running down her leg. While the symbolism isn’t as deep as some of his other murals, the sculpture is a treasured symbol of Banksy’s Bristol beginnings.

Location: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road

How to get there: The walk from Unity Street should take around seven minutes. After the Well-hung Lover, you’ll walk straight down the A4018. Be sure to take a right turn toward the OMG Bristol Club, and you’ll see the museum after around 500m (0.3 miles). 

Rose on a Mousetrap

The Rose on a Mousetrap piece is said to be the best-preserved piece out of all of Banksy’s gifts to the public. The residents in the area banded together to frame the piece so that it wouldn’t get vandalised or fade away due to the weather.

The piece was found on the side of someone’s home in Thomas Street North. The image depicts a rose trapped in a mousetrap – as you may have imagined from the name.

It is also one of Banksy’s earlier works and displays a large kinship between Banksy and the residents of Bristol.

While the piece (or rather the glass cover) gets vandalised every now and again, the residents continue to reframe the Rose on a Mousetrap with donations from their own pockets.

Luckily, the piece is also next to a pub, so, drinks anyone? The Hare on the Hill has got you covered.

Location: Thomas Street North, Bristol

How to get there: This piece is a good starting point for day two (if you’re not keen on walking too much in one day). Since the walk is around 20 minutes from the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, you may even want to catch a cab.

You can take University Road and walk past the University of Bristol. From there, you can turn right on Myrtle Road or through the campus down Tyndall Avenue.

Either route you take, you’ll eventually head into Montague PI. Turn right down Kingsdown Parade and follow the road until Fremantle Square. Turn down Thomas Street North, and voila! You’re there. 

Take The Money And Run

This is another one of Banksy’s earlier pieces, best known as a collaborative piece with other street artists. It definitely looks a lot different than most of the other artworks you’ll see around Bristol.

This piece is not to be confused with the so-called work from a Danish artist for an exhibition that was supposed to run from September 2021 to January 2022.

The artist was paid around $84 000 USD and supplied the museum with two blank canvases.

Instead, you can expect to see bright colours and a traditional style of graffiti.

This piece was done by freehand instead of the regular stencil that we’ve come to associate with Banksy’s work. The mural was also buffed after being vandalised a few times.

Location: 33 Bath Buildings, Bristol

How to get there: This is a quick and easy walk as well. You can choose to stroll along the A38 or take the more “scenic” route along Picton Street. Walking down the A38 will take you past a couple of restaurants like The Social Bar and Cafe At The Well.

You can turn into Bath Buildings and turn the corner before St. Andrews Street. Around the big tree, you’ll see the mural known as Take the Money and Run.

Cat and Dog

This is one of the older pieces that was done by Banksy. The Cat and Dog mural is along a line of many other interesting graffiti artworks.

While the colourful background seems somewhat out of character for Banksy, it is one of the more unique pieces within his collection.

It is not that easy to get to, though, as you may have to drive there or wade through a couple of vehicles and trucks just to catch a glimpse of it. This is a good place for a walk if you’re a fan of street art in general.

While you’re in the vicinity, you can check out the Kebele Community Co-op. It offers a great breakfast and a wonderfully cosy feeling. If you’re looking to get off the Banksy tour now, you could head straight to the A432 for a stroll down the main road in search of restaurants, bars, or supermarkets.

Location: Corner of Robertson Road and Foster Street

How to get there: This mural lies on the outskirts of the region of Bristol’s Banksy pieces. You can expect to cover around 2.4km (1.4 miles) from Take the Money and Run. This walk will take approximately 30 minutes as the mural is on the other side of the M32. Along the way, you’ll pass Fox Park, Mina Road Park and Albany Green.

From Bath Buildings, head down York Road toward Cheltenham PI. Follow Upper Cheltenham until Brook Hill and go left onto Lower Cheltenham. From there, you’ll have to follow a zig-zag pattern from Ashely Hill to Sevier Street and Mina Road.

Then you’ll have to take the stairs up and over the M32 towards Fox Road. Head left on the A432 and then right onto Robertson Road. 

Valentine’s Banksy

A day before Valentine’s Day in 2020, residents awoke to some beautiful Banksy art in Bristol suited to the occasion. The image displays a young girl catapulting hearts up into the sky. The hearts are artistically captured in 3D by Ivy painted red. This is why residents had named it Valentine’s Banksy.

A couple of days later, the piece was vandalised to include pink spray paint, which Banksy mentioned (via Instagram) that he is kind of glad about. You can catch a glimpse of this beautiful piece in Barton Hill alongside someone’s home in Barton Hill, Bristol.

The piece is just a road away from Netham Park, in Marsh Lane. Head across the street to Hamblin’s for some fish and chips after.

Location: Marsh Lane, Bristol

How to get there:   Banksy’s Valentine’s Day is about 2km (1.3 miles) away from Cat and Dog. If you’re walking, it will take around 30 minutes to get there. Luckily, the Plough Inn is about halfway through the journey. So, you can always stop mid-way for a quick sip of water or a pint of beer.

From Robertson Road, you’ll have to go left onto Chester Road, and another left on St. Marks Street. You’ll follow St Marks all the way to High Street, turn right onto Albion Street and take another right onto Chelsea Road.

You’ll see Albion Green on one side, and even further down Chelsea Road, you’ll see Owen Square.

Walk through the square to get to Bristol and Bath Railway Path and continue toward Russell Town Avenue.

From here, you’re nearly there. Take a right onto Jane Street, head straight onto Cobden Street, and Tichborne Street. Once you see Mildred Street, you’ll turn right, and this will lead you to Marsh Lane.

Blow Pop Records

As we’re nearing the end of our tour, you may want to pop into Cave Street to catch a glimpse of the fading Blow Pop Records mural. It’s said that this piece was designed as an album cover and painted circa 1999.

You can hope to see the matador shaking a cape in front of a muscle car with horns somewhere hidden in Cave Street.

If not, this is one of the prints that seem to have been mass-produced and can be found virtually anywhere online. Just be sure to check the seller and authenticate your purchase beforehand.

Location: Cave Street, Bristol

How to get there: This part of the journey is the final major distance in this self-guided tour of Banksy in Bristol. While this section covers around 2.5km (1.5 miles), it’s an easy walk along the A420. You can follow this path until you get to Pritchard Street or Glouchester Street. If you’d like an easier alternative, there are buses from Lawrence Hill Station every 15 minutes.

The good news is that Cosies is right on the corner across from Portland Square. Have a seat and sip on your favourite drink, or get something to munch on before jetting off to the last and best-known Banksy artwork in Bristol.

The Mild Mild West

This Banksy artwork in Bristol is located on No. 80 Stokes Croft but is best viewed from Jamaica street. Much of Banksy’s work involves the concept of corrupting innocence somehow. As is evident in most of his artwork, Banksy adds child-like elements and some mature elements.

In this case, the mural shows riot police on one side with a teddy bear holding a molotov cocktail on the other side. This piece was finished in 1998 and was painted in response to a recent news story circulating at the time.

As with many graffiti pieces, this one was also vandalised with some red paint – luckily, volunteers banded together to fix the damage. It has since been decided that the mural will be protected by glass next to a new building of flats.

Location: Jamaica St, St Paul’s, Bristol

How to get there: If you’re feeling up to a lovely stroll throughout the city of Bristol, the view from Jamaica Street is well worth it. You’re a quick five-minute walk from Cave street, so this last and final piece should be easier to get to than most.

After a couple of sips of water from Cosies, you’ll want to head straight to Wilder Street, turn left and then your first right into Brunswick Street. This will take you straight to City Road. Then you’ve got a right turn onto the A38, a quick hop, step, or skip, and you’ll be on Jamaica Street.

Keep an eye out for places like Pocos Tapas Bar on the corner of Jamaica and Thomas street, as well as Nadu or the Take Five Cafe. These are all good indications that you’re somewhere along the right path!

Other Banksy Paintings

Were you thinking of another mural in Bristol that doesn’t seem to appear here? Well, here’s a quick peek at some of Banksy’s best work. These have been moved or whitewashed and restored somehow.

Elephant Missile

First Location: 4 Balmoral Road

The Elephant Missile is another artwork that has been somewhat mass-produced as well as reinvented over the years. The mixed media version was on sale up until 2020 in numerous formats. From cups to T-shirts, Banksy merch is just about everywhere.

The mural, however, was painted under a St Andrew Road sign along the side of someone’s house. The image of an elephant carrying a missile on its back has since been painted over and can no longer be found in Balmoral Road.

Sneezing Woman

First Location: Vale Street

This painting, also entitled “Aachoo!!” was painted in December of 2020. In May of 2021, this painting was removed and sold off. This was one of the Banksy paintings that created quite a stir in the neighbourhood.

Gorilla in a Pink Mask

First Location: 157 Fishponds Road

This is one of the Banksy artworks that was accidentally removed by the new owner of the social club in Eastville. The Gorilla With a Pink Mask was whitewashed and then later restored (somewhat) but has recently closed for good.

Burning Tyre

First Location: Bridge Farm Primary School

In January 2016, Banksy doodled a school child with a burning tyre on the wall of an elementary school. This Banksy painting was a gift to the children of the Bridge Farm Primary School, thanking them for honouring him at their school.

Banksy Bristol Map Detours:

As previously mentioned, some of Banksy’s pieces are really close together, while others are quite a distance apart. In this tour, I’ve tried to include as many of my favourite murals as possible. Here’s a quick breakdown:

From the Girl with the Pierced Eardrum to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the tour should be relatively straightforward. You could opt to make a detour at this point and put off pieces like Cat and Dog or Valentine’s Banksy.

You could even choose to bypass some of the paintings altogether and simply head straight to the more popular ones like The Mild Mild West.  

Your starting point will most likely determine just how far you’ll have to walk and which paintings you’re going to see.

While Hanover PI will help you get the most paintings out of the way early in the day, starting in Marsh Lane could prove to get the longest distances out of the way.

Whatever you choose, it’s best to layout the locations and select the pieces you’d like to see; know when you’ll need to call a cab and be sure to grab your most comfortable shoes and a water bottle.

• The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum – Hanover PI
• The Grim Reaper – M Shed
• You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky – Lower Lamb Street
• Well-Hung Lover – Unity Street
• Paint Pot Angel – Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
• The Mild Mild West – Jamaica Street
• Rose on a Mousetrap – Thomas Street North
• Take the Money and Run – Bath Buildings
• Banksy’s Valentine’s Day – Marsh Lane
• Banksy’s Cat and Dog – Robertson Road and Foster Street

Final Say on Bristol’s Banksy Tours

Banksy has made a name for himself with a load of beautiful and provocative art pieces around the world.

While most of them are found in London and dotted around England, this Banksy art in Bristol map has been curated to ease your way into a fun and exciting walking self-guided tour.

Don’t forget to see your favourites and stop at some of the best brunch spots in Bristol while you’re at it.

And be sure to check out some more of the brilliant street art at museums and art centres like the Hidden Gallery or Clifton Fine Art.

Once you’ve conquered Bristol, why not head over to Shoreditch to experience some of the fantastic street art walking tours .

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Le Musée Banksy - Banksy's permanent exhibition in Paris

A permanent exhibition in Paris OPEN EVERY DAY

THE BANKSY MUSEUM takes you on an enchanting journey with Banksy, the master of the streets who has become a world-renowned artist.

Over 100 works!

We're offering you a unique experience. An immersion into the heart of Banksy's work, a journey that transcends borders.

From Paris to London, from Bristol to Bethlehem, from Los Angeles to Port Talbot. Banksy is a cross-borderer, an ephemeral migrant, a universal citizen who conveys messages that are just as universal.

But it's also a journey through time for each and every one of us... if we let ourselves be carried away. It's the discovery or rediscovery of Banksy's murals, which time has sometimes caused to disappear, which the hand of man has inadvertently covered, which commercial appeal has often subtracted from our eyes as passers-by.

A permanent exhibition in a Banksy museum in the heart of Paris' cultural and artistic center.

44 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris

01 82 83 28 55

• Opening hours and prices
• Buy your tickets
• Prepare your visit

Imprint | 🍪Cookie management © 2023 Banksy Museum - Design and development by Binaire01

Every Banksy piece in Bristol and where to find them

Ever wondered where all of the local Banksy art is in Bristol?

• 16:00, 14 MAY 2021
• Updated 16:45, 14 FEB 2023

Banksy is one of Bristol's most famous and beloved exports, with celebrities around the world regularly spending millions to own a piece of his work. However, it was his work in Bristol that first put him on the map.

Starting in the '90s and continuing today, Banksy 's contribution to Bristol spans decades and most pieces are still intact and much-loved in the city. The Easton native's identity remains anonymous, aside from a few clues, and that means it's notoriously difficult to verify which works are genuine or mere copycats.

We've put together a list of around 12 Banksy pieces that have previously been, or still are, displayed on the streets of Banksy's home city. It's a perfect list for any Banksy fans, or anyone who wants to explore some of the street art in Bristol by the icon.

Read more: New UK Banksy confirmed: 'Mascara' artwork unveiled for Valentine's Day

If you want to find out more about the Bristolian graffiti artist, you can read more on our attempts to find out who Banksy is . For now though, let's check out some of his best known artworks in Bristol...

Mild Mild West

80 Stokes Croft (BS1 3QY)

One of Banksy's earliest known works, Mild Mild West appeared in the late '90s and remains in situ on a residential building next to Hamilton House on Stokes Croft. It depicts a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at a squad of riot police and was reportedly a response to police at the time cracking down on so-called 'illegal raves'.

You don't need planning permission to build castles in the sky

41 Lower Lamb Street (BS1 5QR)

'You don't need planning permission to build castles in the sky' is on Lower Lamb Street, near the Central Library and Bristol Cathedral. The words are arranged in combination with two air vents to look like a smiley face.

Take the Money and Run

St. Andrew’s Road and Bath Buildings (BS6 5EH)

A very early Banksy mural, painted before the artist switched to stencilling and was still drawing freehand, 'Take the Money and Run\' was a collaboration with other artists. It was at one point covered up, but has since been restored.

Cat and Dog

18 Robertson Road (BS5 6JY)

Banksy grew up in Easton, so it’s no wonder we might find some of his work here. The writing reads, "There are crimes that become innocent or even glorious through their splendour, number, and excess."

Masked Gorilla (removed)

139 Fishponds Road (BS5 6PR) (formerly)

Sadly, Masked Gorilla can no longer be found in its former home in Eastville. The artwork is also known as Gorilla in a Pink Mask and is thought to date back to 2001 but was accidentally painted over with emulsion in 2011, and was subsequently restored - albeit looking slightly more ghostly than the original.

The artwork, which was on the wall of the Jalalabad Islamic Centre, was due to be sent to auction late in 2020. Saeed Ahmed, who owns the Islamic centre, said the building was "falling to pieces" and he wanted to protect the work. He planned to donate a significant chunk of the proceeds to charitable groups - particularly those helping to improve the lives of people in Bristol - and the funds were also set to help improve the mosque.

However, the auction house was forced to withdraw the item and cancel the sale due to lockdown measures. It said it would put the piece back up for sale once lockdown lifted to the point where in-person viewings would be possible.

In June 2022, online publication Art Plugged reported that the artwork would be offered as an 'NFT' (a digital asset of sorts) and anyone wishing to acquire it would need to register on the sale website and, if successful, would receive a certificate of authentication too.

The Grim Reaper

M-Shed Museum (BS1 4RN)

The Grim Reaper was original stencilled in 2003 on the well-known and loved Thekla floating nightclub and gig venue on the harbourside. More recently it was cut out to help preserve it; it now lives safely inside the walls of the M-Shed on a long-term loan from Thekla.

All about Banksy

Thomas Street North (BS2 8LX)

This smaller mural features a delicate rose lying on a mousetrap, people residing in the building loved it so much that they had it framed to protect it - and it's a good job, because vandals targeted it back in 2020. Thankfully, the frame and accompanying protective layer meant the actual artwork was shielded from harm.

Well Hung Lover

7 Park Street (BS1 5HR)

At the time of its creation, this rather raunchy artwork was stencilled on the side wall of the Brook Sexual Health Clinic on Frogmore Street, which has since relocated. But it's probably best viewed from the Park Street bridge above Frogmore Street, as the work is approximately five metres above street level.

Also known as 'Naked Man Hanging From Window' and simply 'Naked Man', the mural was defaced by a paintball gun in 2009, which resulted in a partial restoration by the City Council. However, some paint splatters still remain on the artwork and it was even defaced a second time in 2018, this time with black spray paint.

The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum

Hanover Place and Sydney Row (BS1 6UU)

Banksy's Girl with the Pierced Eardrum is a parody of the famous Johannes Vermeer painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. Instead of an earring, the girl in question now has a building security alarm on show.

The painting, which is on the side of an Albion Docks building on the harbourside, first appeared in October 2014. However, it gained a new addition in April 2020, during the first wave of coronavirus - a facemask . It's not known who added the mask.

The Girl with the Stick

Bridge Farm Primary School (BS14 0LL)

This mural appeared at Bridge Farm Primary School in 2016. It was apparently created as a thank you from the artist for the school naming a building after him.

Valentine's Day

Marsh Lane, Barton Hill

This Valentine's Day painting appeared on February 13, 2020, before Banksy confirmed it was his at the stroke of midnight that night, just as Valentine's Day began. The artwork shows a young child using a slingshot to create what appears to be a firework formed of rose leaves, playing with the themes of violence and innocence.

Unfortunately, it was vandalised shortly after its appearance, leading to the work being covered up as a means of trying to protect it. Then, in January 2022, an added element by another street artist in the area included the stencil of a masked man trying to pry off the wooden covering with a crowbar, as if trying to free the artwork so people could enjoy it once more.

Aachoo!! (removed)

Vale Street, Totterdown (formerly)

Aachoo!! is one of Banksy's most recent Bristol pieces. It appeared in Totterdown in December 2020, but was removed in March 2021 to the dismay of local residents and was due to be auctioned at an unnamed Dutch auction house in 2021, according to the BBC.

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British Graffiti Artist, Political Activist, and Film Director

Summary of Banksy

With tongue firmly planted in cheek, English graffiti artist and international prankster Banksy has managed to become one of the world's most recognized artists while remaining relatively anonymous. Staying true to the credos of Street Art , he's built a celebrated body of work, both permanent and impermanent, that utilizes satire, subversion, dark humor, and irony to create resonant social, political, and humanist messages for the masses on a populous and public level. His style is universally familiar, founded on a signature stencil aesthetic that has elevated him from mere man with a spray can to a highly creative artist in his own right. He is responsible for catapulting guerilla work into the mainstream as a viable form of art.

Accomplishments

• Banksy's artistry lies in his ability to use humor and sardonic wit to trick viewers into contemplating the underlying seriousness of his messages about capitalism, advertising, politics, and humanity. It is this very sense of innocent whimsy coupled with daring, glaring truths about our times that lift him to a role as potent social mediator all under the guise of art.
• Regardless of his fame, Banksy's chosen canvas remains the street and improvisational public places where his art can 'pop up" guerrilla-style retaining its resistance to being commercialized within any specific social sector, audience, or market.
• Anonymity has been Banksy's main way to operate, largely because it removes the status of artist as celebrity and instead forces a focus on the artwork. It also allows for the freedom of telling one's unapologetic truth without regard to consequence.
• In an ironic twist of fate, Banksy's subversive mien has only furthered his crossover to mainstream acceptance as the world takes note of his signature style and lack of any noted ego drive toward artistic recognition. The artist himself has become a bridge not unlike the ones his artwork aims to build.
• Because graffiti is illegal, Banksy's work continues to raise questions in the social sphere about the lines between public art and vandalism. If his work on the side of a building becomes a collectible, protected piece while another less known street artist is jailed for performing a similar action, what does this signify about the hypocrisy afforded to fame?

The Life of Banksy

Whether Banksy is one person, or a group of people we don't know. But it is a fact that he (she, or it) has created some of the most powerful, controversial, witty, and brilliant contemporary art.

Important Art by Banksy

Kissing Coppers

In this iconic image, two (seemingly male) police officers in full, typical British uniforms are depicted kissing, in what appears to be a loving embrace. This work was originally spray-painted on the side of the Prince Albert pub in Trafalgar Street near the downtown core of the city of Brighton. Before its creation, one of Banksy's associates approached the pub owner on his behalf to seek permission for the work. The pub owner says, "My first thought was, 'oh no'. I thought we'd get in loads of trouble for it." But to his delight, after its creation, a group of uniformed officers appeared in front of the pub to view the piece and proceeded to take pictures. In 2011, the piece was replaced with a copy protected by a Perspex case, while the original was flown to the United States to be sold at auction. The piece can be read in many ways. In one respect, Banksy is advocating for a sexual-identity accepting society by placing icons of authority in a pro-gay position. His use of policemen, rather than ordinary citizens, is intriguing, because the very subjects of his tender portrayal are often the ones to working to eradicate his vandalism. While some believe that he is poking fun at policemen, showing them in a vulnerable, intimate moment, others read the work more positively, as showing a human side to the police force, and emphasizing the strong bonds that exist on the police force between partners and teammates. The work is an undeniable testament to Banksy's use of irony to challenge us to build a bridge of understanding between expected enemies of ideology.

Spray paint - Originally painted in Brighton, England. Now in private collection

Rage, the Flower Thrower

This work, now covered and protected by a Perspex overlay, features a man dressed up in what we associate with traditional riot gear, with a bandana obscuring his face, and his cap on back-to-front. His stance is one of a person about to lob a Molotov cocktail; he's taking aim and is ready to throw his weapon. However, instead of a weapon, he holds a bunch of flowers (which are the only part of the mural to appear in color.) This piece is located on a wall on the side of a garage in Jerusalem on the main road to Beit Sahour, Bethlehem. By substituting a weapon with a bunch of flowers, Banksy is advocating for peace, and he opted to install this particular message in a high-conflict area. The work also carries the message idea that peace comes with active hard work. In addition, the bouquet may as also represent a commemoration of lives lost in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict - and thus, his use of art to relay messages of social importance.

Stencil and spray paint - Bethlehem

Napalm Girl

Again, Banksy has taken a pre-existing image - in this case an iconic photograph from Vietnam in 1972, of a girl - Kim Phuc - fleeing from a napalm attack on her village. The original photograph was taken by associated press photographer Nick Ut and has developed into a short hand for the atrocities of the Vietnam War. Banksy has isolated the image of the horror-stricken girl (originally surrounded by a few other clothed children and seven soldiers running down a road away from the site of the napalm attack) and flanked her with Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald. These two instantly recognizable, smiling characters, when juxtaposed with the image of Napalm Girl, give the image a very twisted and sinister feel. Both Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald are two family-friendly faces of American capitalism, the same country that dropped Napalm on Vietnam. Banksy's work then becomes a critique of not just America but also of capitalism. The girl's horror-stricken face is juxtaposed against the two characters' big, bright smiles. In this simple image, Banksy shows both the fun, carefree facade of American culture, and the reality that America also has a very dark, underbelly which drops bombs on people, and both commercializes and glamorizes war. Banksy once stated that "The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages."

Screenprint on paper

Show Me the Monet

This work by Banksy refigures the iconic Impressionist painting Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lillies (1899) by Claude Monet. Monet's original reveals a tranquil scene of his own garden, with rich vegetation reflected in the calm water. Banksy has replicated Monet's original painting almost exactly, using the same materials as Monet, however Banksy has added two discarded shopping carts and a traffic cone to the pond. By using shopping carts, an image associated with consumerism, Banksy’s message is that society is focused on material goods, buying more than is necessary in a futile attempt to make itself feel happy and fulfilled. Moreover, by representing these man-made objects as discarded in an otherwise beautiful setting, he critiques contemporary society's disregard for nature in favor of commodity fetishism and the production of excessive waste. Even in the title Banksy has subverted the meaning of the Impressionist painting, with the word "money" being a play on "Monet".

Oil on canvas

Unwelcome Intervention

This mural depicts two young boys playing with buckets and shovels, like children creating sandcastles on a beach. The boys, one standing, the other kneeling, look back at the viewer, rendered in Banksy's typical black and white stencil aesthetic. Just above the boys, the artist has created the illusion of a broken section of the grey wall on which the mural was created. Through this false hole, a photorealistic color image of a tropical beach paradise is visible. As with much "guerrilla" Street Art, the location of the piece plays a central role in its meaning. Banksy stenciled this work onto the Israeli-Palestinian West Bank barrier wall in August 2005 along with eight other murals (including a dove with a bulletproof vest and a heart-shaped target over its chest, a child beneath a ladder stretching to the top of the wall, and the silhouette of a young girl being lifted upwards by a bunch of balloons). While the Israelis consider the wall to be a protection against terrorism, the Palestinians claim that its purpose is racial segregation. Banksy's spokeswoman Jo Brooks said that while Banksy was creating the piece, "The Israeli security forces did shoot in the air threateningly and there were quite a few guns pointed at him." However, Banksy questioned, "How illegal is it to vandalize a wall if the wall itself has been deemed unlawful by the International Court of Justice?" This piece plays on the notion that the grass may be greener, and the landscape (perhaps environmental, perhaps political) may be better on the other side of this large barrier (although we know that it isn't). The artist may also be suggesting that a better political landscape could only emerge if the barrier were destroyed. By including children in this, and several others of the murals on the wall, the artist forces us to consider the toll that the local conflict takes on the innocent. The viewer is even more strongly implicated in the work through the direct gaze of the children. When painting these murals in 2005, Banksy had a conversation with a Palestinian man who told him, "You paint the wall, you make it look beautiful," to which Banksy replied, "Thanks." The Palestinian man then said, "We don't want it to be beautiful, we hate this wall, go home."

Paint - West Bank barrier wall

One Nation Under CCTV

This work on Newman Street in London was painted on the wall of a building used by the Royal Mail. At the bottom right, a child in a red hooded sweatshirt, black shorts, and a grey backpack, is seen painting the phrase "ONE NATION UNDER CCTV" while being watched by a police officer and a dog at the bottom left. The mural was situated in the line of sight of a CCTV camera. In fact, Banksy managed to erect three stories of scaffolding under the cover of darkness to create the entire artwork in one night. This work aims to criticize the excessive surveillance (both from CCTV cameras in public spaces, as well as in other forms such as online) that has recently become a controversial issue both in the UK and abroad. Banksy has done other works that aim to "tease" security cameras, for instance by stenciling the words "what are you looking at?" on a blank wall faced by a CCTV camera. The Westminster City Council stated in October 2008 that the work would be painted over, regardless of the celebrity status of the artist, as it was illegal graffiti. The council stated that Banksy "has no more right to paint graffiti than a child." Robert Davis, the chairman of the council planning committee told The Times , "If we condone this then we might as well say that any kid with a spray can is producing art." The work was eventually painted over in April 2009. The condemning of Street Art as illegal vandalism, and its frequent removal, has been the focus of many other works by Banksy. But on the other hand, the fact that many of his works get removed shortly after their creation adds to the excitement and fanaticism that surrounds Banksy's work. Banksy biographer Will Ellsworth-Jones wrote in 2013 that Banksy "is an artist who has got people running around the city desperate to see his work before it gets painted over."

Spray paint

Mona Lisa Bazooka

In this work, Banksy plays upon one of the world's most famous paintings, The Mona Lisa (1503-4). Although in his piece, the female protagonist wears a headset while aiming a rocket launcher in his typical black and white stencil style. The piece first appeared in the Soho district of West London. While Banksy's juxtaposition of art history's most famous female with a powerful modern weapon may certainly be cheeky, there is more that can be read into the image. While da Vinci's Mona Lisa appears graceful and passive, Banksy gives her a powerful, confrontational, and active sensibility. Her facial expression remains just as calm as in the original, however, next to the powerful weapon, her welcoming smile is menacing, in a much more horrific manner. It can also be read as a statement on how blasé citizens have become to the ongoing realities of war, always taking place somewhere far removed from their own tranquil lives.

Power Washer

This mural depicts a maintenance worker in an orange vest pressure washing art from a wall. The act seemingly destroys an ancient cave painting, a painting that is quite similar to the wonderous discovery at the time in France. With this work, Banksy is drawing a parallel between the prehistoric cave paintings, and modern-day graffiti. While it is standard practice for the latter to be cleaned off of walls, it would be unthinkable for the same fate to befall the former. In this way, the artist questions the value placed on certain works of art, and the label of "vandalism" assigned to others.

This more recent Banksy work serves as an excellent example of the way that guerrilla Street Artists use the surrounding environment as an integral part of their works. In this work, Banksy has stenciled a simple black silhouette of a child with a large mallet in the process of striking something in front of him. The pre-existing object that the boy is about to hit is a red fire hydrant (or rather, a siamese connection for the fire department) which has a pipe coming up through the top leading directly to a round red object several feet higher (possibly a fire alarm). With the inclusion of the small boy with the mallet, this utilitarian plumbing fixture is instantly transformed to look like a "strength tester" (the classic carnival game where a player must strike a mallet to hit the bell at the top). With site-specific works like Hammer Boy , Banksy and other Street Artists encourage viewers to envision urban spaces, surfaces, and objects differently, and to see fun and whimsy in otherwise mundane surroundings. In this way, Street Artists have much the same mentality as skateboarders or people who practice parkour. For all of these groups, city spaces and surfaces are not restricted to their prescribed uses. Instead, participants feel the freedom to co-opt and repurpose the urban environment. A fire hydrant is not just for holding water, it can also become a child's plaything. A handrail is not only for holding and supporting oneself, it can also become a tool for enacting daring acrobatic feats.

Spray Paint - 79 th Street, New York City

Love is in the Bin

In October 2018, Banksy’s iconic image of Balloon Girl , featuring a young girl letting go of a heart-shaped balloon as a beacon of innocent hope, was sold during a Sotheby’s auction for 1.04 million pounds. The moment it was pronounced “sold,” a strange alarm sounded from within the painting’s frame, its trigger source unknown. Immediately, the painting started to descend down through its bottom, which turned out to be a shredding mechanism. Although the painting was supposed to shred fully as Banksy later admitted, the device stopped working, leaving half the painting intact in the frame. Banksy posted a video of the shredding with the words “Going, going, gone” on his Instagram page, leading people to believe he had planted a subversive ally in the auction room. But he removed the video promptly, after it had successfully winked at his social media audience. The female buyer decided to keep the work, newly retitled Love is in the Bin , as it was now the subject of a grand scandal, the only artwork created at a live auction in history, and cemented her in the status of purchaser of one of the art world’s most notorious capers. Joey Syer, co-founder of an art dealing website, was quoted in the Evening Standard as saying, “The auction result will only propel this further and given the media attention this stunt has received, the lucky buyer would see a great return on the 1.02M they paid last night, this is now part of art history in its shredded state and we’d estimate Banksy has added at a minimum 50% to its value…” Banksy would go on to release a video showing how the shredder was installed into the frame upon its creation, stating it was purposefully crafted in case the work ever made it to auction. His reasoning came in the form of the quote: “The urge to destroy is also a creative urge.”

Biography of Banksy

Very little is known of Banksy's youth, as he continues to keep his true identity a secret. It is reported that he played (as goalkeeper) with the Easton Cowboys football club during the 1990s and early 2000s. According to Will Simpson, another long-time member of the Easton Cowboys, Banksy went on tour with the team to Mexico in 2001 and painted a number of murals in the communities they played in, including one painting that was "raffled off to raise money for water projects in Chiapas in southwestern Mexico."

According to investigation of several alleged former schoolmates and associates, along with indication by the geographic locations of Banksy's work, the artist is believed to be Robin Gunningham, a former student at the public Bristol Cathedral School. There has also been speculation that rather than being a single person, Banksy is a team of seven artists.

Education and Early Training

Because of his anonymity, not much can be surmised about Banksy's education or training in art. Yet, from very early on in his career we find a creative proficiency with using original imagery to develop his own unique voice - one that combined controversial and humorous visuals to create anti-war, anti-capitalism, and anti-establishment messages.

In the early 1990s, Banksy began working as a freehand graffiti artist with the DryBreadZ Crew (DBZ) in his hometown of Bristol. Around 1994, he turned to stencil art, inspired by fellow street artist 3D who later became a founding member of the band Massive Attack. Stencils are traditionally hand drawn or printed onto sheets of acetate or card stock, and then cut out by hand. The stencils are then affixed to a surface, such as a wall, and spray-painted. When the stencil is removed, the image remains. This first signature tool allowed Banksy to execute pieces on the fly. Like many street artists, he adopted common recurring motifs such as apes, policemen, soldiers, rioters, children, and the elderly to mark his stamp in public spaces, which quickly began to garner a following. By proliferating these iconic-stenciled images around Bristol and London, he rapidly gained the attention of the street art community and the general public.

A prototypical street artist, Banksy justified his vandalism of public space, and his use of the city as canvas, as being a direct response to what he called "Brandalism," or, "any advertisement in public space that gives you no choice whether you see it or not...The people who truly deface our neighborhoods are the companies that scrawl giant slogans across buildings and buses trying to make us feel inadequate unless we buy their stuff. They expect to be able to shout their message in your face from every available surface but you're never allowed to answer back. Well, they started the fight and the wall is the weapon of choice to hit them back."

Banksy also frequently used rats in his art, as did his predecessor, the street artist Blek le Rat, who once stated, "I began to spray some small rats in the streets of Paris because rats are the only wild animals living in cities, and only rats will survive when the human race disappears and dies out." In Banksy's work, these nocturnal creatures (to most people associated with disease and infestation) can be understood as a sort of pseudonym or self-portrait of the artist who completes his illegal works under the cover of darkness.

Banksy said, "If you feel dirty, insignificant, or unloved, then rats are a good role model. They exist without permission, they have no respect for the hierarchy of society, and they have sex 50 times a day." The word "rat" also serves as an anagram of "art," although Banksy has admitted that he painted rats for several years before someone made him aware of this fact. Rats also happen to be rare vermin that resist deep hatred by humans, and have the survival skills to get by – somewhat like Street Artists that evade authority and operate often under the cover of darkness.

In the 1990s he met Bristol photographer Steve Lazarides, who began photographing Banksy and his work, and then went on to become his agent until 2009. Lazarides recently stated, "When I first met this scruffy, grumpy guy back in 1997, I would have never guessed that 20 years on he would be the most famous artist of his generation, and that his work would be studied on school curriculums." He also says, "I worked with him [Banksy] for 11 glorious years, during which time we broke every rule in the art rule book along with a fair few laws. He has since gone on to become a global superstar and has retained his ability to shock and make people chuckle."

After Banksy's professional relationship with Lazarides ended, he created his own organization, Pest Control, which acts as sole representative and contact liaison for his work, in charge of verifying authorship of his pieces and issuing documents of provenance to buyers.

Mature Period

In the early 2000s, Banksy evolved from stenciling the streets to creating prankster projects, staging public interventions within well-established art institutions, and organizing exhibitions in addition to continuing with his unsanctioned public works, all the while retaining his carefully cloaked invisibility within the public eye. Much of these efforts poked fun at art as commodity, or made specific statements on the way we are force-fed popular culture through mainstream mass distribution, and challenged our common culpability in consuming marketing, political, or media messages as truth.

In the early 2000s, Banksy began holding exhibitions and performing interventions within well-established art institutions, in addition to continuing with his unsanctioned public interventions. For example, he produced 100,000 fake British £10 bills, putting in a photo of Diana, Princess of Wales, and updating text to "Banksy of England".

In March 2005, he surreptitiously placed modified versions of artworks (such as a Warhol-esque painting of a discount soup can) in the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn.

In August/September of 2006, Banksy placed approximately 500 copies of Paris Hilton's debut CD, Paris , in 48 record stores around the UK, modified with his own cover art (Photoshopped to show Hilton topless). Other versions featured: Paris with her Chihuahua, Paris with Tinkerbell's head replacing her own, or Paris stepping out of a luxury car amongst a group of homeless people, which included the caption "90% of success is just showing up." Music tracks were given titles such as "Why Am I Famous?" "What Have I Done?" and "What Am I For?" Members of the public purchased many copies of the guerilla CD before stores were able to remove them. The purchased copies went on to be sold for as much as £750 on online auction websites.

In September 2006, Banksy dressed an inflatable doll in an orange jumpsuit, black hood, and handcuffs in resemblance of a Guantanamo Bay detainment camp prisoner. He then placed the doll below the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California, where it remained for 90 minutes before the ride was shut down and the figure removed. By placing a harsh symbol of political reality within a noted escapist environment, Banksy was remarking on our propensity for keeping our eyes wide shut.

At his Barely Legal exhibition of 2006 in Los Angeles, which drew a celebrity crowd including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Banksy rented a live 38-year old female Indian elephant named Tai, painted in the same red and gold floral pattern as the wallpaper behind it. This “elephant in the room” was meant as a reminder of our ongoing ignorance of poverty around the world. Due to rights activists complaints, the elephant was not painted for the final day of the show, even though her handlers said that she had done "many, many movies [and is] used to makeup,” meaning that painting her was not a form of mistreatment.

In London, over the weekend of May 3-5, 2008, Banksy hosted an exhibition titled The Cans Festival (a play on words of the famous French film festival Cannes ). Stencil artists from around the world (including Faile from Brooklyn, Bandit from the Netherlands, Run Don't Walk from Argentina, and James Dodd from Australia) were invited to paint their original artwork, as long as it did not cover or interfere with anyone else's. It took place in a road tunnel formerly used by Eurostar underneath the London Waterloo station. The location was kept secret while the works were completed, and only then revealed to the public. Eurostar agreed to leave the works intact for at least six months following the event.

In August 2008, three years after Hurricane Katrina and the associated levee failure disaster, Banksy produced a series of work in New Orleans, Louisiana, mostly on buildings that had yet to be repaired. He said, "Three years after Katrina I wanted to make a statement about the state of the cleanup operation." He also painted on the rebuilt levee wall, which according to him offered "the best painting surface in the state of Louisiana."

On June 13, 2009, the Banksy vs. Bristol Museum exhibition opened at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. The show featured more than 100 artworks (78 of which were new works), including animatronics, sculptures, and installations. The show drew over 8,500 visitors on the first weekend, and over 300,000 over the course of twelve weeks.

In December 2009, Banksy marked the end of the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference by painting four murals on global warming. One included the phrase, "I don't believe in global warming," submerged in water.

At the London Zoo, Banksy climbed into the penguin enclosure and painted "We're bored of fish" in 7-foot-high letters. He also left the message "I want out. This place is too cold. Keeper smells. Boring, boring, boring." in the elephant enclosure.

In 2010, Banksy's oeuvre expanded into filmmaking after he employed aspiring street artist Thierry Guetta as an assistant and documentarian on several visits to Los Angeles. He encouraged Guetta to pursue making art, which he did, closely following Banksy's example to ultimately become the branded graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash. This journey became the focus of Banksy's 2010 documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop , which was nominated for an Oscar. Banksy released a statement about the nomination saying: "This is a big surprise... I don't agree with the concept of award ceremonies, but I'm prepared to make an exception for the ones I'm nominated for. The last time there was a naked man covered in gold paint in my house, it was me."

From August 21 through September 27, 2015, Banksy opened Dismaland in Weston-super Mare, United Kingdom. The large-scale group show, which included artists Damien Hirst and Jenny Holzer, was a dark and twisted take on Disneyland. The temporary theme park featured a gloomy castle and an overturned Cinderella's carriage.

A lso in 2015, Banksy created several murals in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, which were located in the area of Calais, France’s “jungle”—a site heavily packed with migrants attempting to enter the country. One of these murals ironically depicted Apple founder Steve Jobs, because as the artist described, “We're often led to believe migration is a drain on the country's resources, but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant. Apple is the world's most profitable company, it pays over $7bn a year in taxes – and it only exists because they allowed in a young man from Homs.”

2017 saw Banksy collaborating with artists Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin to design the Walled Off Hotel , a real space of lodging in Bethlehem that the artist financed to mark the 100 th anniversary of British control in Palestine. Also, housing an art gallery, the hotel was tightly surrounded by a wall that each of the bedrooms directly faced, rather than the prototypical vacation views. Although Banksy’s work shows a clear predilection for views in support of social justice, pieces created in this geographical area, have come under criticism by people and organizations such as Change.org because of their one-sided, sometimes borderline anti-semitic, messages.

In 2018, Banksy returned to New York City after a five-year absence for a graffiti spree that titillated the public with a spray of fresh works. Some works, such as a trademark rat running around a large clock face, were torn down quickly but others such as a portrait of imprisoned Kurdish artist Zehra Dogan on the Bowery Wall became adopted works into the fabric of the city.

The end of 2018 would bring to light a stroke of artistic genius from Banksy, in an unforgettable pre-strategized prank that rocked the art world’s stuffy foundation. One of Banksy’s prior works Balloon Girl was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for 1.04 million pounds, yet just as the gavel sound confirmed the piece was sold, an alarm sounded from inside the picture frame and the piece started to pass through a shredder that had been buried inside. The antic would go down in history as presenting the first piece of artwork, created guerilla-style, in the midst of an auction.

The event would also represent an evolution in Banksy’s nearly two decades long career where the artist’s strict anonymity had become concretely replaced by a worldwide recognition so vast, it would inevitably change the future course of his works. No longer abetted by the street art underground’s codas of secrecy, Banksy had become undeniably familiar, accepted, easily recognized, and sought after by the public at large. This became blindingly clear in 2018, when he painted the mural Season’s Greetings on a garage in Wales. The two-sided piece depicted a child tasting snowflakes which were revealed to be smoke and embers from a fire. The town was immediately abuzz about the possibility of the work being done by Banksy, the garage owner expressed fear and anxiety over the responsibility of protecting the piece from vandalism, and eventually a plastic screen and security guards were funded to cover the work.

This new reality has manifested in an emerging visibility by Banksy, of which he remains unseen yet engages on social media applications such as Instagram with his public; it is a place fans and collectors follow now to confirm authorship of Banksy’s works as he actively posts new pieces and claims creation.

His art continues to tantalize the status quo and shed light on our societal woes. Staying ever relevant within the arena of current events, Banksy recognized healthcare workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 by creating, dedicating, and donating a painting to the University Hospital of Southampton.

The Legacy of Banksy

On May 21, 2007 Banksy was selected to receive an award for Greatest Living Briton. Along with other artists like Shepard Fairey, Zevs, D*Face, and Ron English, he is credited with transforming graffiti from the typical "bubble writing" style of the 1980s to the "narrative-driven street art" of today. This contemporary street art varies significantly in aesthetic and materials, from Banksy's stencils, to Swoon's wheat paste posters, to Zevs' "liquidated logos" technique, to Space Invader's tile art. Other street artists, such as his protégé Mr. Brainwash, have adopted Banksy's particular style of instantly recognizable images such as corporate mascots and famous historical paintings.

This "guerrilla art," also referred to as "post-graffiti art," which Banksy helped develop, often plays heavily upon location and context as part of the work, and seeks to regain power from stronger enemies (such as corporations and governments). These artists accomplish this by carrying out interventions in corporate and government spaces (such as billboards, storefronts, and barrier walls), and by co-opting corporate and government images (such as logos, mascots, political figures, and official currency). Banksy has also pioneered the use of alternative venues for the display of street art, as in his 2003 exhibition Turf War , which was staged in a warehouse on Kingsland Road in London's East End.

Moreover, his art has sold for extremely high prices at auction, with pieces being purchased by collectors and celebrities alike for millions of dollars, making Banksy one of the first street artists to become part of the commercial art market. However, this commercial success troubles the artist, who says that "Commercial success is a mark of failure for a graffiti artist," and "We're not supposed to be embraced in that way." He continues to believe that "When graffiti isn't criminal, it loses most of its innocence." This is an ongoing controversy in the art world, with many artists being seen as "sell-outs" when they embrace the mainstream art world success. Banksy's establishment of representatives and liaisons for points of sale of his work has furthered this controversy. However, many other street artists (including equally famous Shepard Fairey) argue that they use this legitimate income to fund further illicit, unsanctioned guerrilla art.

Banksy's reception on a universal scale has also legitimized graffiti as a viable form of public art, furthering debate between vandalism as criminal activity and vandalism as an artist's creative medium (in a way, becoming a symbol of freedom). Many of his works remain on buildings and other public spaces because of their contemporary value, even if at the time of their creation, they were seen as illegally concocted. In fact, many building owners have benefitted from becoming "owners" of an original Banksy.

Influences and Connections

Useful Resources on Banksy

• Banksy: The Man Behind the Wall Our Pick By Will Ellsworth-Jones
• Banksy: Art Breaks the Rules By Hettie Bingham
• Banksy in New York By Ray Mock
• Banksy. Myths & Legends: A Collection of the Unbelievable and the Incredible By Marc Leverton
• Banksy, Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall
• Banksy, Existencilism
• Banksy, Cut It Out
• Banksy, Wall and Piece Our Pick
• Banksy, Pictures of Walls
• Banksy: You Are an Acceptable Level of Threat By Gary Shove, Patrick Potter, and Banksy
• Where's Banksy?: Banksy's Greatest Works in Context By Xavier Tapies
• Banksy: Urban Art in a Material World by Ulrich Blanché and Rebekah Jonas
• Banksy Locations & Tours Volume 1: A Collection of Graffiti Locations and Photographs in London, England By Martin Bull
• Banksy Locations & Tours Volume 2: A Collection of Graffiti Locations and Photographs from Around the UK By Martin Bull
• This Is Not a Photo Opportunity: The Street Art of Banksy By Martin Bull
• Banksy's Bristol: Home Sweet Home By Steve Wright and Richard Jones
• Official Banksy Website Our Pick
• Banksy's art hotel in Bethlehem
• The Story Behind Banksy By Will Ellsworth-Jones / Smithsonian Magazine / February 2013
• The Law of Banksy: Who Owns Street Art? Our Pick By Peter N. Salib / The University of Chicago Law Review / 2015
• 'This is not a Banksy!': Street Art as Aesthetic Protest By Susan Hansen / Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies / 2015
• Whose Place Is This Anyway?: The Israeli Separation Barrier, International Activists and Graffiti By Robert R. Sauders / Anthropology News / March 2011
• Exit through the Gift Shop Our Pick Feature length documentary film directed by Banksy, nominated for a 2010 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature
• How to Sell a Banksy Feature length documentary film by Alper Cagatay and Christopher Thompson
• $aving Banksy Trailer for documentary film directed by Colin Day
• Banksy does New York Feature length HBO documentary film

Similar Art

Free South Africa (1985)

Related artists.

Related Movements & Topics

Content compiled and written by Alexandra Duncan

Edited and revised, with Summary and Accomplishments added by Kimberly Nichols

• United Kingdom
• Top 7 Things To Do...

Top 7 Things To Do And See At Banksy's Dismaland

This autumn, the global graffiti master and maverick of the art world Banksy has created a revolutionary new experience in the British seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Until September 27, the town’s derelict lido will be transformed into a temporary exhibition, satirizing the quintessential English summer holiday and offering a darkly twisted take on Disneyland pleasure resorts. Follow our guide to discover the darkest, dreariest, and, of course, dismalest, of what this artistic dystopia has to offer in a family day out that’s suitable for all*.

*(or rather – none)

The mock Disney castle

The archetypal Disney image: a castle of fairytale proportions and fit for the most regal of princesses. This cliché has been defining the brand and evoking hysterical shrieks from young girls for more than 40 years. The towering centrepiece of Banksy’s Dismaland installation is the artist’s own take on the Cinderella castle which aims to shatter, metaphorically and also literally in parts, this fairytale fantasy. Twisting Gothic turrets covered in drab, grey rendering give the castle a ‘Beauty and the Beast meets USSR ‘ feel that certainly can’t be faulted on originality. The castle’s interior plunges visitors into a world of shadow and hazy lighting before suddenly illuminating an upturned Cinderella carriage surrounded by journalists furiously snapping the road accident. The implications of the corpse of a blonde princess hanging from the carriage window, especially when coupled with the faceless paparazzi statues, will certainly not be lost on visitors just a handful of days after the 18th year anniversary of Princess Diana’s death.

Get a taste of true customer service

A truly immersive experience, not one detail has been overlooked in Banksy’s Dismaland. Let yourself be charmed by the traditional disgruntled British spirit and famously mediocre quality of customer service. If being sullenly told to ‘get a move on,’ or receiving a morose ‘have a nice day,’ fails to put a grimace on your face, watch out. Fake guards patrol the area in search of such trouble (or rather, cheer) makers, ready at any moment to impose punishments, such as hopping on the spot for two minutes, for those refusing to get into the dismal spirit of things. All this, however, is only after you’ve managed to negotiate your way past the gimmick security search where being ‘too smiley’ or ‘wearing a disturbingly bright coloured top’ results in a minute long staring contest with a Dismaland employee.

Take part in the most joyless funfair you’ll ever visit

Banky’s installation, in this archetypal resort town, satirically comments on the fruitlessness of funfair games fundamentally designed to rob visitors of their money. Dismaland ‘s amusements (or rather amuse(less)ments) include an opportunity to attempt to knock an anvil over by throwing ping pong balls at it, a Punch and Judy show surrounded by rubble with the sign declaring ‘Warning: very small domestic war zone. Keep out,’ and a ‘hook-a-duck from the muck’ rescue attempt to remove ducks from glutinous oil spills. The social commentary doesn’t end there, however — far from it. A boating lake complete with remote-controlled boats, either teeming with faceless migrants or immigration control police boats stuffed with guns and armaments, and carousels with wooden horses butchered and waiting by crates marked ‘lasagne’ put sinister, 21st-century spins on traditional symbols of childhood and innocence.

The exhibition centre

Dismaland’s indoor exhibition centre, chock-a-block with 21st-century masters and some of the world’s most cutting edge creative talents, acts as an incredible platform for the rising stars of the art world. Work by 58 artists from around the world, including Damien Hirst and Jenny Holzer, is displayed in a showcase that succeeds in bringing less mainstream, more conceptual art to a huge audience.

The model village

Crossing the threshold of one of the sections of the indoor centre immediately submerses visitors into a totalitarian police state, overrun by armoured vehicles and uniforms, yet eerily devoid of citizens. The intricate detail of every tiny aspect of this model dystopia creates a frighteningly realistic result. There’s no need of villains or monsters in this Disneyland — the glaring spotlight roaming over the village, and swarms of faceless figures, point clearly at the enemy in this section. A fabulously ironic take on a traditional model village tourist brochure is handed out as you go round, providing thought-provoking reading on the details of police brutality for the journey home.

Brave the seagulls

With a life-size installation of stuffed seagulls viciously attacking an elderly lady à la Hitchcock’s The Birds , Dismaland acts as a vivid reminder of the irritations of a typical day out at the seaside . But not content with visitors simply observing the experience, Banksy has ensured that your trip to Weston will be full of real-life nuisances, bothers, and winged pests aplenty. Employees in fancy dress seagull suits lurk behind visitors, primed to pounce and begin pestering and pecking the most unsuspecting of victims. So grab your binoculars, hide your tempting looking ice creams and chips, and get bird spotting at Banksy’s Dismaland.

Musical performances are scheduled on Fridays, with line-ups including the likes of Massive Attack , Run the Jewels , and persecuted Russian punk band, Pussy Riot . If hip hop and protest Russian punk don’t sound like the perfect accompaniment to a family (un)friendly day out, both DJ sets and comedy nights will also be entertaining visitors on a number of Fridays.

Despite its dismal façade, Banksy’s exhibition has already had a marked effect in revitalising the town of Weston. The town is typical of many British seaside resorts, desperately trying to conceal their seedy underbellies as they are gradually eclipsed by package holidays and cheap exotic escapes. The paradoxically positive effect of Dismaland in allowing this relic of a defunct era to once again bask in the dazzling light of its heyday adds yet another level of irony to Banksy’s thought-provoking installation. By Marianna Hunt

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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• Travel Guide

How To Visit The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel

Published: October 10, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Jasmina Jesse

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Introduction

Welcome to The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel, a one-of-a-kind destination that seamlessly blends art, history, and luxury. Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem, Palestine, this renowned establishment has become an iconic symbol of creativity and social commentary.

Known for its thought-provoking graffiti and politically charged artwork, The Banksy Hotel offers a unique experience for those seeking an unconventional stay. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a remarkable adventure, this hotel promises an unforgettable journey.

Step inside The Walled Off Hotel, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where art and hospitality collide. Designed by the elusive British artist, Banksy, this establishment offers more than just a place to lay your head – it’s an interactive masterpiece that challenges traditional notions of what a hotel should be.

Each room is a work of art in itself, with every inch meticulously designed and curated to tell a story. The hotel’s bold and thought-provoking decor is sure to captivate your imagination from the moment you step foot through its doors.

As you navigate through the corridors, you’ll encounter a variety of striking murals and installations that explore themes such as conflict, identity, and the realities of life in Palestine. The juxtaposition of the hotel’s luxurious amenities with the intense political undertones creates a truly unique and powerful atmosphere.

Whether you’re drawn to the hotel for its artistic allure or its commitment to social activism, The Banksy Hotel is more than just a place to stay – it’s an experience that challenges, inspires, and engages.

In the subsequent sections of this article, we will delve deeper into the location of The Banksy Hotel, the process of booking a room, the amenities and services on offer, the remarkable artwork and decor found throughout the hotel, the story and concept behind its creation, the dining options available, nearby attractions, and the reviews and feedback from previous guests.

Get ready to embark on a journey like no other, as we explore the captivating world of The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel.

Location of The Banksy Hotel

The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel is strategically located in the heart of Bethlehem, a historic city in Palestine. Situated just a short distance from Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, this unique establishment offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers.

One of the reasons why the location of The Banksy Hotel is significant is its proximity to the Israeli West Bank barrier, also known as the Separation Wall. This imposing structure serves as the canvas for some of Banksy’s most powerful and politically charged artwork.

Guests of the hotel have the opportunity to witness these thought-provoking murals up close, providing a firsthand experience of the realities of life in the region. The artwork on the wall serves as a visual commentary on themes like conflict, inequality, and social justice.

Additionally, the hotel’s location allows for easy access to various attractions and landmarks in Bethlehem. Visitors can explore the ancient streets, visit historical sites such as the Church of the Nativity and the Milk Grotto, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the city.

For those interested in delving deeper into the complex history and politics of the region, The Banksy Museum is another nearby attraction that offers insight into Banksy’s work and the socio-political issues he addresses.

Transportation options are readily available in Bethlehem, making it convenient for guests to explore other areas, such as the nearby city of Jerusalem. A short drive or organized tour can take visitors to the ancient walls of the Old City, the Western Wall, or the iconic Dome of the Rock.

From its prime location in Bethlehem, The Banksy Hotel offers guests an opportunity to engage with the political and cultural dynamics of the region. It serves as a gateway to explore the historical sites and gain a deeper understanding of the issues that continue to shape the Middle East.

Next, we will explore the process of booking a room at The Walled Off Hotel, ensuring that your stay at this remarkable establishment is just a few clicks away.

Booking a Room at The Walled Off Hotel

Booking a room at The Walled Off Hotel is a straightforward and convenient process, allowing travelers to secure their stay at this unique establishment with ease.

The hotel offers a user-friendly website, where prospective guests can navigate through the various room options and make their selection. Each room at The Walled Off Hotel is designed with its own distinct theme and features, providing guests with an opportunity to choose an accommodation that resonates with their preferences.

Whether you prefer a standard room, a presidential suite, or one of the budget-friendly options, the website provides detailed descriptions and images of each room, enabling you to make an informed decision. The booking process is completed through a secure online reservation system, ensuring the privacy and security of your personal information.

Once you’ve selected your desired room, you can customize your stay by adding any additional services or amenities you may require. The hotel offers a range of services, including room service, laundry facilities, and guided tours, to enhance your experience during your stay.

Payment for your reservation can be made using various methods, including credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. The website provides clear instructions on how to proceed with the payment process, making it convenient for guests from around the world.

For those who prefer a more personalized booking experience or have specific inquiries, The Walled Off Hotel also provides a dedicated customer support team. You can reach out to them via email or phone to address any questions or concerns you may have.

It is recommended to book your room well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as The Walled Off Hotel is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and curious travelers seeking a unique experience.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you can look forward to an extraordinary stay at The Walled Off Hotel, where art, luxury, and creativity converge in a truly captivating setting.

Now that you know how to book your room at The Walled Off Hotel, let’s explore the amenities and services that await you during your stay.

Amenities and Services at The Banksy Hotel

The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel goes above and beyond to provide guests with a comfortable and memorable stay. With a range of amenities and services available, this unique establishment ensures that every aspect of your experience is taken care of.

When it comes to accommodation, The Banksy Hotel offers a selection of meticulously designed rooms that cater to different preferences and budgets. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a private bathroom, ensuring that your stay is both convenient and comfortable.

The hotel takes pride in providing exceptional service to its guests. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist with any inquiries or requests you may have. Whether you need recommendations for local attractions, assistance with transportation, or help with organizing tours, the staff at The Banksy Hotel will be more than happy to assist you.

In addition to comfortable rooms and exceptional service, The Banksy Hotel offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay. The hotel features a rooftop terrace where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of Bethlehem. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar, where you can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. The menu showcases a blend of international and local flavors, offering a unique dining experience. The restaurant’s cozy and inviting ambiance, coupled with its delectable offerings, ensures a memorable culinary journey.

For art enthusiasts, The Banksy Hotel offers even more. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the thought-provoking artwork that adorns the walls throughout the establishment. Every corner of the hotel showcases Banksy’s distinctive style, inviting you to engage with his powerful and provocative messages.

As part of their commitment to promoting art and social activism, The Banksy Hotel organizes regular events, workshops, and exhibitions that allow guests to connect with local artists and gain a deeper understanding of the art scene in Palestine.

In summary, The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel provides guests with a unique and immersive experience. The combination of comfortable rooms, exceptional service, breathtaking artwork, and exceptional amenities ensures that your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

Next, we’ll explore the remarkable artwork and decor that make The Banksy Hotel a truly captivating destination.

Artwork and Decor at The Walled Off Hotel

Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable artwork and decor that adorns every inch of The Walled Off Hotel. As the brainchild of world-renowned artist Banksy, this establishment is a living canvas that challenges traditional notions of art and hospitality.

From the moment you step foot into The Walled Off Hotel, you’ll find yourself surrounded by powerful and thought-provoking murals, installations, and sculptures. The artwork seamlessly blends with the hotel’s decor, creating a unique and immersive experience.

Banksy’s signature style, characterized by bold stenciled imagery and biting social commentary, is showcased throughout the hotel. The walls of the establishment serve as a visual narrative of the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, shedding light on issues of identity, displacement, and resistance.

Each room at The Walled Off Hotel is a work of art in itself. Whether you choose a standard room or a presidential suite, you will find yourself immersed in a space that tells a story. From the striking wallpaper and carefully selected furnishings to the carefully placed props and hidden surprises, every detail has been meticulously designed to create a multi-dimensional experience.

As you explore the halls and corridors, you’ll encounter unexpected surprises at every turn. From the controversial painting of Israeli and Palestinian leaders engaged in a pillow fight in the Presidential Suite to the replica of the signing of the Balfour Declaration in the Lobby, each piece of artwork sparks conversation and challenges preconceived notions.

Banksy’s attention to detail goes beyond traditional mediums. The hotel features interactive installations, such as the “Selfie Hole” in the presidential suite, where guests can pose for photos as if they were the Israeli Prime Minister and the Palestinian President.

One of the most iconic features of The Walled Off Hotel is its breathtaking view of the Israeli West Bank barrier. The windows of some rooms overlook the wall, providing a stark reminder of the political realities that shape the lives of those who call this region home.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or someone looking to experience something truly unique, the artwork and decor at The Walled Off Hotel will leave you inspired, questioning, and eager to engage in meaningful conversations.

Next, let’s explore the story and concept behind the creation of The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel.

The Story and Concept behind The Banksy Hotel

The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel is much more than just a place to stay; it is a powerful and thought-provoking testament to the artistic vision and social commentary of the elusive artist, Banksy.

Opened in 2017, The Banksy Hotel stands as a testament to the turbulent history and ongoing conflicts in the region. Banksy, known for his politically charged street art, saw an opportunity to transform a disused building into a unique space that merges art, hospitality, and activism.

The concept of The Walled Off Hotel was born out of a desire to shed light on the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and provide a different perspective on the situation. Through his art, Banksy aims to challenge preconceived notions and spark conversations about identity, resistance, and human rights.

The choice of location for the hotel, adjacent to the Israeli West Bank barrier, is intentional. The imposing wall, which separates Israeli and Palestinian territories, serves as a powerful symbol of division and conflict. Banksy’s artwork on the wall draws attention to the struggles faced by the people living on both sides, amplifying their voices and calling for justice.

The bank timing on the top of the hotel brings a great touch to the overall concept of the establishment. Designed to mimic a colonial-era British bank, the clock is frozen at 9:05, signifying the year of the Balfour Declaration, which had a profound impact on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The hotel’s interior is adorned with an impressive collection of artwork, created not only by Banksy himself but also by local artists. Each room tells a unique story, offering guests an immersive and thought-provoking experience. The fusion of luxurious furnishings and politically charged artwork creates an environment where art, history, and hospitality converge.

Banksy’s involvement in The Walled Off Hotel goes beyond its artistic creation. The hotel functions as a social enterprise, with the majority of its profits invested back into the local community. It supports various initiatives, including artist workshops, educational programs, and community development projects.

Through his creation of The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel, Banksy has succeeded in creating a space that challenges, informs, and evokes emotion. The hotel invites visitors to engage with the pressing issues of our time, encouraging dialogue and promoting a deeper understanding of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Next, we will explore the dining options available at The Banksy Hotel, where culinary delights meet artistic ingenuity.

Dining Options at The Walled Off Hotel

When it comes to dining, The Walled Off Hotel offers a unique culinary experience that combines delectable flavors with artistic flair. The hotel boasts a range of dining options, ensuring that guests can indulge in a memorable gastronomic journey.

The hotel’s main dining establishment is The Walled Off Restaurant, which features a menu that showcases a fusion of international and local cuisine. Talented chefs prepare each dish with the utmost care, incorporating fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

As you step into the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, adorned with artwork and decor that complements the hotel’s artistic theme. The design of the space creates a unique and immersive dining setting, where guests can savor their meals in an atmosphere that is both visually captivating and thought-provoking.

The menu at The Walled Off Restaurant offers a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From flavorful Palestinian dishes, such as musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and caramelized onions on flatbread), to international favorites with a twist, such as the Banksy Burger with its special sauce, there is something to satisfy every palate.

In addition to the main restaurant, The Walled Off Hotel offers a dedicated bar area where guests can unwind with a refreshing drink. The bar features a selection of local wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails, allowing you to relax and enjoy your favorite beverage while surrounded by thought-provoking artwork and an energetic atmosphere.

For those looking to enjoy their meals in the comfort of their rooms, The Walled Off Hotel offers room service. Whether you prefer breakfast in bed, a late-night snack, or dinner with a view, you can indulge in the hotel’s culinary delights without leaving the comfort of your room.

Guests also have the option to explore the local dining scene beyond the hotel. The staff at The Walled Off Hotel are more than happy to provide recommendations for nearby restaurants and cafes, allowing you to experience the diverse flavors and culinary offerings of Bethlehem.

Whether you choose to dine at The Walled Off Restaurant, enjoy a drink at the bar, or venture out to explore the local food scene, The Banksy Hotel ensures that your dining experience is not only delicious but also immersed in the artistic and unique atmosphere that defines the hotel.

Next, we will uncover the nearby attractions and points of interest that guests can explore during their stay at The Walled Off Hotel.

Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest

Located in the historic city of Bethlehem, The Walled Off Hotel offers convenient access to a variety of nearby attractions and points of interest. Here are a few highlights that guests can explore during their stay:

Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity

Just a short distance from the hotel, Manger Square is a vibrant gathering place and the focal point of Bethlehem. This historic square is home to the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian churches in the world. Visitors can explore this sacred site, which is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and marvel at its centuries-old architecture and religious significance.

The Banksy Museum

For art enthusiasts, The Banksy Museum is a must-visit attraction. Located nearby, this museum offers a comprehensive collection of Banksy’s artwork and provides insights into his thought-provoking style and the messages behind his pieces. The museum serves as a platform for raising awareness and fostering discussions about contemporary art, activism, and socio-political issues.

Palestinian Heritage Center

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Palestine at the Palestinian Heritage Center. Located in the heart of Bethlehem, this center showcases traditional Palestinian crafts, costumes, and artworks. Visitors can participate in workshops and demonstrations to learn about traditional embroidery, pottery-making, and other cultural practices.

The Milk Grotto

A short distance from The Walled Off Hotel, the Milk Grotto is a significant religious site for Christians. This small cave-like chapel is believed to have been the spot where the Holy Family sought refuge during their flight to Egypt. Visitors can explore the serene interior and learn about the significance of this sacred site.

Bethlehem Old City

Take a stroll through the ancient streets of Bethlehem’s Old City, where you can discover historic buildings, bustling markets, and traditional Palestinian shops. Get lost in the labyrinthine streets, sample local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district.

These are just a few of the many attractions and points of interest that guests can explore during their stay at The Walled Off Hotel. Whether you’re interested in religious sites, cultural experiences, or simply want to explore the local surroundings, Bethlehem offers a wealth of opportunities for discovery.

Now, let’s delve into the reviews and feedback from previous guests to get a sense of what to expect during your stay at The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel.

Reviews and Feedback from Previous Guests

The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel has garnered widespread praise and positive reviews from previous guests who have had the opportunity to experience its unique atmosphere and artistic offerings.

Many guests have commended the hotel for its thought-provoking artwork, with several describing it as an immersive and transformative experience. The powerful messages conveyed through the murals and installations have resonated with visitors, prompting them to reflect on the socio-political issues highlighted by Banksy’s work.

Guests have also expressed appreciation for the attentive and knowledgeable staff at The Walled Off Hotel. The exceptional service provided by the hotel’s team has been repeatedly praised, with guests noting their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

The comfortable and uniquely designed rooms have also received accolades from guests. The attention to detail in the decor, as well as the incorporation of Banksy’s signature style, has left a lasting impression on visitors. Many have described their rooms as artistic sanctuaries that provided both comfort and inspiration.

Furthermore, guests have highlighted the delicious culinary offerings at The Walled Off Restaurant. The combination of international and local flavors, coupled with the inviting ambiance, has made dining at the hotel a standout experience for many visitors.

Visitors who have explored the nearby attractions have praised the hotel’s convenient location. The ease of access to notable sites such as Manger Square, the Church of the Nativity, and the Banksy Museum has allowed them to maximize their time in Bethlehem and immerse themselves in the local culture and history.

It is important to note that while the majority of reviews are positive, some guests have mentioned that the hotel’s powerful and politically charged artwork may not be suitable for all tastes. The intense and thought-provoking nature of the artwork has evoked a range of emotions among different individuals.

In summary, the reviews and feedback from previous guests attest to the exceptional and transformative experience that awaits at The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel. From the captivating artwork to the attentive service and comfortable accommodations, guests have praised the hotel for its unique blend of art, activism, and hospitality.

Finally, let’s conclude our exploration of The Banksy Hotel with a recap of the remarkable aspects that make it a truly captivating and unforgettable destination.

The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel is a remarkable destination that transcends the boundaries of traditional hospitality. Through its thought-provoking artwork, immersive decor, and commitment to social activism, this establishment offers a truly extraordinary experience for its guests.

From the moment you step foot into The Walled Off Hotel, you are transported into a world where art, history, and social commentary seamlessly intertwine. The powerful murals and installations, created by renowned artist Banksy, challenge perceptions, inspire conversations, and shed light on the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional service ensures that your comfort and satisfaction are paramount. The attentive staff are always ready to assist and go above and beyond to ensure that your stay exceeds your expectations.

With a range of meticulously designed rooms, each with its own artistic theme, guests can immerse themselves in a space that tells a unique story. From the luxurious furnishings to the carefully placed artwork, every detail has been carefully selected to create an unforgettable experience.

Dining at The Walled Off Hotel is a culinary journey in itself. The fusion of international and local flavors, coupled with the artistic ambiance, creates a memorable dining experience where your taste buds are tantalized while surrounded by inspiring artwork.

Located in the heart of Bethlehem, The Banksy Hotel provides convenient access to a range of nearby attractions and points of interest. From historic sites such as Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity to the thought-provoking Banksy Museum, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of the region.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique and transformative experience, The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with art, delve into history, and explore the pressing issues of our time.

So, embark on a journey that transcends traditional boundaries and immerse yourself in the captivating world of The Banksy Hotel – The Walled Off Hotel.

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Metropolitan Museum of Manila releases statement on Banksy Universe exhibit

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) has addressed the questions surrounding their upcoming exhibit, "BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024." In a statement sent to GMA News Online. The M said that the upcoming exhibition is a collaboration with the Banksy Universe team, an international art production collective specializing in immersive experiences, and has the goal “to introduce the universe of the enigmatic street artist known as Banksy to a Filipino audience.” Given that it is almost impossible to see the original art of outside of the locations they were created, The M said, “BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 is a unique opportunity to learn more about Banksy’s art and explore the universality of the many piercing social, political and domestic issues it raises.” The museum also confirmed that the show is not authorized or endorsed by Banksy. “While BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024, like many such exhibitions in museums around the world, is not authorized or endorsed by Banksy, it will feature over a hundred works that trace the trajectory of Banksy’s career, affording visitors a closer look into the themes that preoccupy him, as well as the transformative power of art." BANKSY UNIVERSE | MANILA 2024 drew flak from netizens when the exhibit was announced this week, as they said it will go against Banksy’s message and principles about bringing art to the masses. While Banksy shows at museums are not unheard of — the Moco Museum in Amsterdam has a permanent Banksy exhibit on display — Pestcontroloffice.com, which is "the sole point contact for the artist," has said “Banksy is not involved or associated” with any exhibit, gallery, or institution in any country. Banksy also said on the website that their art is not available to license for commercial use. “Only Pest Control Office have permission to use or license my artwork. If someone else has granted you permission, you don’t have permission,” Banksy said. The M also told GMA News Online that they are scheduled to release more details in the next two weeks. Meanwhile, the Banksy Universe Instagram account is yet to reply as of this posting. Banksy is a UK-based, anonymous street artist whose pieces tackle themes like anti-war, anti-consumerism, anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, anti-authoritarianism, anarchism, and nihilism. Through media such as spray painting and sculpture, their works also explore the existentialism, greed, poverty, hypocrisy, boredom, and loneliness of humanity, among many others. —JCB, GMA Integrated News